‘HE SAVED HER FROM DISGRACE’

Janet Gleeson’s well researched biography of our founder, Sir William Hillary, The Lifeboat Baronet revealed vital new information that removes a slur on the great man’s name. Unfortunately the brief review in the Spring issue of the Lifeboat failed to cover this vital point.

Previous biographies have suggested that after marrying an heiress Hillary squandered her money, and then after going bankrupt ditched her, fled to the Isle of Man and committed bigamy with another woman. Ms Gleeson’s meticulous researches have set the record straight:

Yes, Hillary did marry a wealthy heiress, as a handsome, personable, cultured, well connected but impecunious young man would be expected to in those days. Yes, he did purchase expensive furniture and works of art for their home, no doubt with his wealthy wife’s approval.

It was when facing Napoleonic invasion that the government called on big landowners to raise militias and Hillary’s patriotism got the better of his financial judgement. He raised the largest private army the nation had ever seen, but the expense proved ruinous, and he did go bankrupt.

As a result his personal life disintegrated, and his wife had a baby by another man. Hillary nevertheless acted with the greatest forbearance. By accepting the child as his own, and by allowing his errant wife to divorce him for a sham ‘adultery’, he saved her from disgrace and social ruin, and her child from illegitimacy.

On the Isle of Man Hillary then married another lady. The misunderstanding about that being bigamy would have arisen from the fact that the divorce had taken place under Scottish law, not English law. His first wife was properly appreciative and left him a considerable fortune in her Will.

Len Wingfield,
Guildford, Surrey

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Really enjoyed all the articles. Great job.
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Handier size for my pocket. And great reading.
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Mine arrived yesterday. It is however now too small; it’s now a pamphlet not a magazine. The accompanying RNLI sales brochure is thicker. Such a shame it’s gone so small and thin as there is so much less space inside for content. Is this to save costs?
Glyn Holt

Mine came today – I noticed how different it looks and particularly delighted that there is NO advertising!
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Ronnie Crowe

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BY POST AND EMAIL

It appears more austere, at first glance more like an annual report, and not the appealing, attractive magazine it used to be.
Ann Christie, Poole, Dorset

‘Celebrating life’ is a welcome addition. The size of the mag makes it easier to hold and read. The magazine really has everything for those interested in the RNLI. There is a web address as well where you can catch up with matters online. So, between the two, one can keep pretty well abreast of what is going on.
Dick Robinson, Ennis, Co Clare

These days, when people are far more prone to criticise than praise, I wanted you to know that I have just received my first edition of the new magazine. I think the look and feel of it are great and you achieve exactly what you say you are aiming for.
Tony Vlasto, London

I was interested to read the interview with Dave Myers and the neighbouring Piel Island. My great grandfather, Herbert Raby, was Coxswain of Barrow lifeboat and his son Richard was also part of the lifeboat crew.
Philip Raby

We are both regular supporters who – as former magazine journalists – have for years greatly admired Lifeboat. Although the size has reduced, the design, photography and writing all remain of the highest standard. An inspiring read as always.
Neil Jeffries, London

It’s a good size to hold. I like the layout and the paper, which does justice to the articles. All in all, a winner!
Esta Koh, Weybridge, Surrey

Hope the new edition saved the RNLI money – a bit flimsy and colour printing less good than formerly, which was brilliant.
DJ Driver

This letter is being written on two counts. Firstly, the comment on the new format. I think that this is a change for the better with its widespread topics and illustrations. I do hope that others are of the same opinion. Second, thank you for the splendid but heart-rending account of the loss of the Rohilla. Particularly this strikes a chord with me and other people here in Barnoldswick since Fred Reddiough was one of only three of the 15 personnel from this small town to be rescued from the wreck.
Denis Cairns, Barnoldswick, Lancashire

READERS’ SURVEY RESULTS
• 76% of respondents rated the new-look Lifeboat as good or very good
• 80% rated the level of interest in the magazine as good/very good
• 65% of respondents said that they like the new Community News section

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The Editor has responded to your comments in the Welcome on page 2. Share your feedback, stories and queries at Facebook.com/RNLI, Twitter.com/RNLI, [email protected] or write to us using the address at the bottom of page 2. Our Lifeboat survey is also still open at www.surveymonkey.com/s/LifeboatWinter2015.