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Caption
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The "Sisters Carter of Harrogate", (1870-1887), a 33 ft x 8' 6", 10 oared, self righting lifeboat, arrived in Seaham on September 1st 1870. She was built at a cost of £287 from funds provided by four sisters, the Misses Carter, a launching carriage was also provided at a cost of £100.
The site for the new lifeboat-house (shown in this 1870 photograph) was provided by the 5th Marquis, Earl Vane who also paid the construction costs of £189.
Thousands of people gathered for the arrival of the boat at Seaham Station and lined the route as she was drawn on her launching carriage to her new home at the base of Lighthouse Cliff.
In the presence of many dignitaries, including the Sisters Carter, she was named by the Countess Vane.
Senior pilot John Marshall was the first coxswain, wearing a top hat at the right of the crew in this photograph, in 1874 he would be awarded the Silver Medal by the RNLI for outstanding bravery in his attempt to rescue the master of the schooner "Lady Ann".
John Marshall retired in 1883 and was succeeded by his son John Marshall Jr.
The Sisters Carter of Harrogate saved 38 lives during her 17 years service at Seaham. Sold off in 1887 she probably ended her days as a fishing boat.
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