James Beeching

He then went to Flushing in the Netherlands, and built many craft, including several involved in the English smuggling trade such as the cutter known as "Big Jane", launched in 1819.

Lifeboat design was not standardised and the boats available, though an improvement on ordinary vessels, were vulnerable to heavy seas, which could lead to capsizing and loss of life.

[2] A competition was initiated by the Admiralty for a new, improved lifeboat which would meet criteria: (a) being self-righting; (b) being of lighter construction than before and easier to launch and transport; (c) able to free itself of water faster (i.e. self-draining) and (d) of lower cost.

Out of 280 models sent in from all parts of the world (a selection of which were displayed at the famous Crystal Palace exhibition of 1851), Beeching's "self-righting" design[9] was awarded the prize.

[2] The firm, "Beeching Brothers" (founded 1795) continued to build ships in Great Yarmouth for several decades after his death well into the 20th century, eventually including steam-powered vessels.