[1] After the founding of the Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck in 1824, and later when it became the RNLI, it wasn't uncommon for any acts of gallantry at sea, whether by lifeboat, or other means, to be rewarded with the RNLI Gold or Silver Medal.

For the rescue of 6 men from the vessel Julius on 23 November 1861, which was aground and breaking up on Broad Sand Rocks, Thomas Brown (Big Tom), a Cresswell boatman, was awarded the RNLI Silver Medal.

[2] Some years later, in 1874, James Brown of Cresswell, and his 3 sons, were drowned when their fishing boat overturned within sight of the shore.

Addison John Baker-Cresswell, of Cresswell Hall, provided the site and dressed stone for the construction of a boathouse, which cost £154-11s-4d.

A major benefactor was Mr Thomas Hackwood of Sydenham, who requested the boat be named Old Potter.

His retirement would come just before a new boat was to arrive in Cresswell, a 34-foot 10-oar Dungeness-class lifeboat, designed by Felix Rubie,[7] costing £723, funded from the legacy of Mrs M.A.Vaughan of Highbury.

[4][6] William would be awarded The Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum for a service in 1914, and continue as Coxswain until his retirement in 1925.

With all men from Cresswell involved, Margaret, along with two younger girls, was despatched to summon the Newbiggin Rocket Brigade, running barefoot along the shortest route, a distance of 4 or 5 miles, through the swollen river Lyne, and in terrible conditions.