The oak of the RNLI grew from the acorn of Sir William Hillary's famous Appeal to the British Nation in 1823.

In the nature of nineteenth century writings the Appeal is too fulsome to reproduce in its entirety. Extracts however give the flavour of this historic document..

( "y or many years, and in various T countries, the melancholy and fatal shipwrecks which I have witnessed, have excited a powerful interest in my mind for the situation of those who are exposed to this awful calamity; but the idea of the advantages which would result from the establishment of a national institution, for the preservation of human life from the perils of the sea, first suggested itself to me during my residence on a part of the coast, often exposed to the most distressing scenes of misery, and where the dreadful storms of the last autumn prevailed with unusual violence.

On some occasions, it has been my lot to witness the loss of many valuable lives, under circumstances where, had there been establishments already formed for affording prompt relief, and encouragement given to those who might volunteer on such a cause, in all probability the greater part would have been rescued from destruction. At other times I have seen the noblest instances of self-devotion; men have saved the lives of their fellow-creatures at the peril of their own, without a prospect of reward if successful, and with the certainty that their families would be left destitute if they perished.

From these considerations I have been induced to wish, that the results of the experience, talent, and genius of the men of science, should be united in the formation of one great Institution, which would in itself embrace every possible means for the preservation of life from the hazards of shipwreck.

Though many individuals have employed their time, their attention, and often exposed their personal safety for this object, yet nearly the whole of the most extensive and dangerous parts of our coasts are left without any means having been adopted, any precautions taken, for rendering assistance to vessels in distress; and, winter after winter, we have the most afflicting details of the most disastrous consequences attendant on this lamentable apathy to human misery - an awful destruction of life, on almost every shore which surrounds the British dominions: acts have even sometimes been perpetrated at which humanity shudders, and which have caused other nations to cast reproach and opprobrium on the British name.

But individual efforts, however meritorious in themselves, are unequal to produce all the benefits, or remedy all the evils, attendant on one of the most inevitable of perils to which human nature is exposed, and which is most likely to fall upon those who are in the very rime of manhood, and in the discharge of the most active and important duties of life. From the calamity of shipwreck no one can say that he may at all times remain free; and whilst he is now only providing for the safety of others, a day may come which will render the cause his own...

... a national institution should be formed... important to humanity, and beneficial to the naval and commercial interests of the United Empire; having for its objects, First, The preservation of human life from shipwreck; which should always be considered as the first great and permanent object of the Institution.

Secondly, Assistance to vessels in distress, which often immediately connects itself with the safety of the crews.

Thirdly, The preservation of the vessels and property, when not so immediately connected with the lives of people, or after the crews and passengers shall already have been rescued.

Fourthly, The prevention of plunder and depredations in case of shipwreck.

Fifthly, The succour and support of those persons who may be rescued; the promptly obtaining medical aid, food, clothing, and shelter, for those whose destitute situation may require such relief, with the means to forward them to their homes, friends or countries. The people and vessels of every nation, whether in peace or war, to be equally objects of this Institution; and the efforts to be made and the recompenses to be given for their rescue, to be in all cases the same as those for British subjects and British vessels.

Sixthly, The bestowing of suitable rewards on those who rescue the lives of others from shipwreck, or those who assist vessels in distress; and the establishment of a provision for the destitute widows or families of the brave men who unhappily lose their lives in such meritorious attempts….