The "Bradford" Number 2 lifeboat 1909 -1911
In 1903 the RNLI had begun a series of trials, with petrol engines being fitted into existing pulling and sailing lifeboats and in 1906 a 40 hp Briton petrol engine was fitted into the former Ramsgate lifeboat "Bradford".
She was re-engined in 1907 and after being stationed at Seaton Snook for 2 years was sent to Seaham as No 2 Lifeboat.
She was 42 ft x 11 ft self righter and served at Seaham until 1911.
Shown here prior to having an engine fitted in 1906.
Information from Seaham Lifeboats by Jeff Morris
The new lifeboat house shown here, for a short time No 2 Station, it was completed in 1909, the old slipway used by the Skynner was practically dry at low water but here it was possible to launch at any state of the tide down a 150 ft slipway.
The short wave screen was purposely built to protect the lifeboat during launch.
From 1909 to 1911 Seaham had two lifeboats, the old "Skynner" and the "experimental" motorised "Bradford", it was the Bradford which was housed here.
