Peel

To visit the Isle of Man is to take a step back in time. Stone walls, neat white cottages, flower filled gardens, tidal fishing harbours all set against a mellow green countryside. Almost every vista could be right at home on a postcard or chocolate box. Bazflyers of course like to unearth a story wherever we go and in this regard the Isle of Man is nothing short of a rich treasure trove. 

Nowhere on the Isle of Man is far from the sea. As a result seafarers, ships and wrecks have dominated the island's long history. Peel is a small harbour on the west coast facing Ireland and home of one of the island's three volunteer lifeboats, a lifeboat famous for what is generally regarded a very daring rescue. 

This occurred during a violent storm on the 7th October 1889. A Norwegian schooner had lost its rigging and was floundering off the coast of Peel. It was feared all on board would perish but a volunteer life boat crew from Peel braved the elements. They rowed to the rescue and over several hours saved 23 crew and passengers. Among those saved were the captain's wife and baby daughter. History records that on landing the baby ashore there was a request for a lady to step forward and care for the infant until the mother regained her strength. Something akin to a rugby scrum then allegedly took place as ladies vied for the privilege of caring for the infant.

In honour of the daring rescue, the Norwegian Government conferred the highest honour they could upon the lifeboat crew. 

The little west coast town of Peel

The modern day Peel lifeboat 

Houses in a Peel street

Flowers in a boat