About

The Cromer Lifeboat Station was established in 1804 and was not taken over by the Institution from the Norfolk Shipwreck Association until 1857. Since 1923 there have been two lifeboats at Cromer, the larger for working on the outlying sands and the smaller for working inshore.

The outstanding figure in the history of Cromer is Henry George Blogg who became a member of the Cromer crew in 1894 at the age of 18. He was coxswain from 1909-1947. During his 53 years as a lifeboat crew member, the Cromer lifeboats had been on service 387 times and rescued 873 lives. His record is without equal in the history of the Institution. No lifeboat crew member has received so many decorations for gallantry. He won the Gold Medal of the Institution, which is only given for conspicuous gallantry, three times and he won the Silver Medal four times.  Blogg also held the George Cross and the British Empire Medal. He died in July 1954 at the age of 78 years.  A bronze memorial plaque commemorating him was unveiled by Lord Templewood in the Cromer lifeboat house in August 1955.  

Today, the lifeboat house at the end of the pier is known as Cromer lifeboat station and is home to the ALB (all-weather lifeboat). There’s a smaller inshore lifeboat station located at the gangway on the east promenade.

Cromer Lifeboat Station is open to visitors most days and from the public gallery you can see the ALB up close, plus there is lots of information and history on show. There is also a souvenir shop too. Additionally, the Station has volunteer guides who are happy to show visitors around the lifeboat station. The tours last approximately an hour and are free but must be pre booked by email: CromerRNLIvisits@gmail.com.