Milntown House was honoured to welcome the RNLI’s 200th Anniversary Scroll to Ramsey on Thursday 24th October, as part of the RNLI’s inspiring ‘Connecting our Communities’ relay. This historic visit marked the culmination of a remarkable 236-day journey that took the RNLI’s seven-meter-long scroll over 18,000 miles, linking 292 RNLI communities across the UK, Ireland, and the Isle of Man.

The scroll, inscribed with the RNLI pledge, serves as a powerful symbol of dedication and unity. It reads:

“Whoever we are, wherever we are from, we are one crew, ready to save lives. We’re powered by passion, talent and kindness, like generations of selfless lifesavers before us. This is our watch, we lead the way, valuing each other, trusting each other, depending on one another, volunteering to face the storm together. Knowing that, with courage, nothing is impossible. That is what has always driven us to save every one we can. It’s what makes every one of us a lifesaver.”

The scroll’s journey began at Westminster Abbey on 4th March 2024, and it fittingly concluded on the Isle of Man, the home of the RNLI’s founder, Sir William Hillary. Inspired by his own rescue experience with the HMS Vigilant in 1822, Hillary drew up plans for the world’s first lifeboat service to protect those at risk along the British coast. His vision led to the founding of the RNLI in 1824, a lifesaving organisation that has since upheld his commitment to bravery, compassion, and community support.

The RNLI scroll’s first stop in Ramsey was at Milntown House, the home of John Christian, First Deemster of the Isle of Man at the time of the RNLI’s founding. Christian was closely connected with Sir William Hillary and played a pivotal role in the formation of Ramsey’s first lifeboat committee. The ties between Milntown House and the RNLI legacy grew stronger still in 1829 when Hillary’s son, Augustus Hillary, married Susannah Christian, John Christian’s daughter, and they resided at Milntown.

This symbolic visit to Milntown House celebrates more than just the RNLI’s anniversary; it commemorates a legacy of courage and unity shared by those dedicated to saving lives at sea. Hosting the RNLI scroll allowed Milntown to reflect on its place within this rich history and honor the shared commitment to service, bravery, and community that connects the RNLI to the Isle of Man and beyond.

We were delighted to welcome the RNLI’s scroll and join in celebrating 200 years of lifesaving history—a testament to the power of courage, resilience, and the spirit of unity that unites RNLI communities across shores.