Inspiring women from around the world

Grace Horsley Darling (1815-1842)

In 1838, Grace became an instant national heroine, aged 22, when she helped her lighthouse keeper father to rescue survivors of the wrecked SS Forfarshire. In a rowing boat, in treacherous conditions. No life jackets. No engine. No radio. No search light.

Selflessly risked her own life to save 9 others

and became the poster girl for the RNLI.

London's press, royalty, aristocracy and the public showered Grace with honours, gifts, invitations, letters and even marriage proposals. Songs, poems, plays and paintings followed. She died 4 years later, aged 26, of TB.

...nearly 200 years on and her bravery

continues to inspire women of the sea.