Grace Darling

Grace Darling was born in Bamburgh in 1815. As the daughter of a lighthouse keeper, she spent much of her life in lighthouses off the North East Coast, including Coquet Island. It was at the Longstone Lighthouse that Grace's life changed forever.

The Rescue of the SS Forfarshire

In September 1838, the Forfarshire was travelling North from Hull. The weather was stormy, and on the 7th September, the ship found herself forced on to Big Harcar, one of the Farne Islands.

Grace saw this from the window of the Lighthouse. The island was only a few 100 yards away from her, so she and her father took their small rowing boat out to help the passengers and crew. They managed to save 9 people in two trips (although the second was without Grace).

Her heroics were recognised during her lifetime, receiving a large financial reward. Unfortunately, in 1842 she died of tuberculosis aged 26. Her parents buried their daughter in a modest grave in St Aidan's Churchyard, Bamburgh. A cenotaph commemorating the life of Grace Darling was erected near by.

Grace Darling in Print

Grace Darling captured the imagination of many, and there have been many books published about the heroics of this young lady. Our Books page lists some of these.