3-021-202 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Launch of a life-boat at Weymouth, 1869. 'The town of Weymouth has been presented, by the Earl of Strafford, with a life-boat, which was launched, on Tuesday week, in the presence of a large assembly of spectators. It was first carried in procession through the streets. The Mayor and Corporation of the town, with many of the neighbouring gentry, joined the procession, which comprised the officers and seamen of the Coastguard stations near Weymouth, three hundred boys from the naval training-ship Boscawen, and the band of the Royal Engineers. The scene was one of the most animated ever witnessed at Weymouth. We give an Illustration from the photographs taken by Mr. W. H. Fox. The ceremony of christening the new life-boat was performed by Lady Ashley. A display of the rocket apparatus was made after the launch, showing how it could be used on land to establish a communication with a vessel in the bay'. From "Illustrated London News", 1869.