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The first lifeboat station was built in 1870 in response to a disastrous storm, which destroyed many fishing boats and in which many fishermen drowned. The first lifeboat was 10 metres long, wooden and had 15 crew and 10 oars.
Clovelly used to be home to one of only two lifeboats in the entire RNLI fleet with a permanent crew, for the simple reason that there was no shelter or mooring on the north coast. High seas and crashing waves at the entrances often prevented rescue attempts from launching or returning to the harbour. Because of this, the lifeboat used to be permanently manned in order, during bad weather, to sail to the island of Lundy and then anchor in the lee of the island. Following removal of the permanent boat by the RNLI, village locals resolved to provide a lifeboat service themselves, as they felt neighbouring boats at Appledore and Padstow could be compromised by tidal or sea conditions.
After 8 years as a successful inshore rescue service the RNLI returned. They have extended the boatshed and continue to enhance the inshore rescue service. |
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