Kingsdown had its own lifeboat station between 1866, when it was established by private funds, until 1927 when it was closed. These were the great days of Victorian sailing ships, and when they (and their dependence on the shelter of the Downs) faded, the need for a separate station lapsed.
Now the station is a private house perched precariously on the brow of the shingle, and the only boats nearby are neatly parked behind the line of beach huts. South of the Zetland Arms the fishermen's boats that once earned the village's meagre wealth number only two, but the evocative smell of tar still lingers.
The lifeboat gave Kingsdown it's greatest hero, Jarvist Arnold, who was skipper until 1889. In December 1872, he and his crew (average age 55) put to sea in a south-easterly storm towards a sinking ship, the Sorrento, and saved the lives of the 31 crew and of 14 lifeboatmen from Walmer who had become stranded on the ship. With remarkable bravery and seamanship he maneuvered the Kingsdown lifeboat, the Sabrina, alongside the Sorrento and gradually took every man off, and then passed some from his fearfully overladed boat onto the Walmer lifeboat.
Having achived this feat, he then had to navigate along the coast in the storm to Broadstairs, because the south-easterly prevented landing on the beach at Kingsdown. Jarvist Arnold is commemorated by this lovely smiling portrait in the village hall, and by having a road named after him. It does us good to remember the harsh realities of life, not so long ago.
My thanks to Marcia, related to Jarvist Arnold, for the inspiration, to the Kingsdown Guidebook for the information and to Ann for the photos.Bird migration is continuing despite the cool and showery weather - today's new arrivals included a house martin and a willow warbler (both earlier than usual) and two singing blackcaps.
A cuckoo was reported yesterday from Dungeness, but I think that was an April Fool joke.
10 comments:
Steve ,
Very interesting , as usual .
Who knows , Kingsdowner could join Jarvist in the village hall , one day .
It takes a brave and hearty sort of person to save lives as Jarvist did. Great that he is remembered and honored for it.
I have been researching family tree and Jarvist Arnold was my great great uncle on my grandfathers side. It is nice to see him so well thought of!
Jarvust was indeed a great man.
And im proud to also be a descendant of a lifeboatsman too.
James Laming was my great great Grandfather.
My mothers as well in seamen of the down by George Bayley page 168 your great great grandfather is mentioned. My mother worked 30 years in the NHS still our roots and DNA saves lives.
I am also a descendent of james lamimg because of my mother. My mother a nurse in the NHS for 30 years looks as if the DNA for saving lives remains in our roots. The seaman of the downs by George Bayley page 168 recognises James Laming.Best Wishes.
Interesting to read. I'm a direct decedent of Jarvist Arnold. Must visit again haven't been in the areas in 40 years.
Graham Arnold
Please can you provide evidence of how Marcia Nelson is a relative of Jarvist?. I am a direct decendent of an Arnold and have a comprehensive family tree of the Arnold family and photos. Jarvist in my case is my great grandfather x(7). Nowhere within our family tree is the name Marcia Nelson mentioned so I ask out of curiosity. If Marcia would like to meet up and view the family tree and see the photo, do let me know!
Just seen this comment - I assume Marcia communicated with me at the time of the post. Unfortunately I can’t trace anything now.
I took a look at some old photos and stuff i received from my late Grandmother and it would seem that I do indeed have a written account of a rescue recorded by my great great grandfather James Laming. Its in his own handwriting dated December 1916. Id like to know who has his silver medal. Because it doesn't belong to them. I accept that they may have paid a heavy amount for the medal but i am the only true relative of James Laming and believe that it should return to the family. I can happily share the letter from my great great grandfather. Its preserved here with me.
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