Commemorative plaque 59604

This green commemorative plaque records: The Old Lifeboat House. Pilot gigs were used to rescue lives before the first lifeboat, the "Joshua" was brought to Newquay by six horses in 1860. The first lifeboat house was in Fore Street and the lifeboat was launched from the beaches, before the slip on the headland was built in 1895. It had the steepest slip in the British Isles with a gradient of 1 in 2 1/4. This lifeboat house was built in 1899 and was in use until 1934 during which time 142 lives were saved. The new inshore lifeboat station opened at the harbour in 1965. Recorded plaque organisation: Newquay Town Council.

The Old Lifeboat House in Newquay marks a significant site for maritime rescue operations, where pilot gigs and later the "Joshua" lifeboat were stationed from 1860 to 1934, saving 142 lives. The establishment of this facility reflects the critical role of local communities in improving sea safety and rescue techniques along the British coast.