The RNLI’s historic archive has been recognised by UNESCO. Our founding documents, which date back to 1823, will become one of just 50 listed in the UK as part of UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme UK Register, preserving the world’s documentary heritage.

The archive, kept at RNLI Headquarters in Poole, charts the charity’s foundation and early years. Our wider collection holds thousands of meticulously archived photographs, journals, press cuttings, letters and books, from c.1770 to the present day.