Shawl gifted to Victorian shipwreck heroine Grace Darling is donated to RNLI museum in Northumberland

The beautiful buff-coloured shawl, delicately embroidered with silk shells and scrolls along its border, went under the hammer at Anderson & Garland auctioneers in Newcastle in October. It sold to an individual bidder, Heath St John from Bromley in London, for £820.

The quality and condition of the shawl suggests it was treasured but rarely worn – thought to be one of the many gifts Grace Darling received for her bravery in rescuing survivors from the wrecked SS Forfarshire in 1838.

The team at the Grace Darling Museum in Bamburgh – which is run by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) – were overjoyed when Mr St John offered to donate the shawl to the museum’s collection. The piece is now on display.

The daughter of a lighthouse keeper, Grace Darling captured the imagination of Victorian society when she and her father William risked their lives to rescue nine survivors from the wrecked SS Forfarshire on 7 September 1838. Aged 22, Grace helped William row the wooden coble out to the stricken paddle steamer, and held it steady in the waves as he pulled survivors aboard.

Her extraordinary act of bravery became internationally known, making front page news and even reaching Queen Victoria. She became the media celebrity of her day and was showered with honours and gifts, including the RNLI's Silver Medal for Gallantry, before her death from tuberculosis just four years after the famous rescue.

The auction lot came with a typed letter of provenance to Ernest William Greenwood, publisher Greenwood Bros Printers Ltd, South Shields. The shawl was being held by Greenwood as collateral against a book to be published.

The donor had initially hoped the shawl could go on display in Longstone Lighthouse, but ultimately chose the RNLI charity’s Grace Darling Museum, where more regulated temperature and light conditions will help preserve this precious piece of Grace’s story for generations to come.

Andrew Lewis, RNLI heritage development manager, said: “Seeing this shawl come home to Bamburgh and go on display at Christmas is a gift to all the volunteers at the Grace Darling Museum. They give so much time and care to bring the story of this unassuming heroine to life.

“This new addition to our collection gives a fascinating insight into the experiences of Grace Darling after the rescue – and the rather romanticised view Victorian society had of her daily life.

“It’s unusual for us to acquire a new item with such a close connection to Grace. So we’re looking forward to welcoming new visitors to see this beautiful piece, and researching more about its provenance.”

Explaining his interest in the piece, the donor said: “Important though names and dates are, they don't offer any tactile, you might even say emotional, involvement. They don't stimulate any human sympathy, however mentally stimulating they might be.

“It feels very gratifying to see the shawl go on display. I hope it will bring the story of Grace and William Darling’s bravery to many new generations.”

To help the charity continue its lifesaving work, visit RNLI.org/WinterAppeal.