Bronze Age Gold from Wales

R.N.L.I. sailing/pulling lifeboat WILLIAM CANTRELL ASHLEY. A 'Liverpool type' 35 foot, twin masted, non self-righting open boat, which would have been rowed with 12 oars.

It was built in 1907 (lifeboat number 578), and was in service at Newquay, Dyfed from October 1907 to 12th December 1948. In which time it was launched 18 times and saved 10 lives. It is the last sailing/pulling R.N.L.I. lifeboat, not only in Wales, but in the U.K. It is the only known survivor of its type.

It remained in service until 1949 when it retired and was passed to the Outward Bound Centre Centre at Aberdovey (where it was renamed OUTWARD BOUND) and later Milford Haven as a fishing boat. It was sold in 1986 to a small group based in Newquay who hoped to restore it and display it at Newquay. Funds could not be raised, and in 1991 it was purchase by W.I.M.M.