The start of our Summer Season is from April - October 2025
The start of our Summer Season is from April - October 2025
Our society, the formal title of which is The Sheringham and District Society, was founded in 1979 as a result of a relatively small boundary dispute. This acted as a catalyst which brought together a group of likeminded people who were conscious that there were many things waiting to be done which would not be done without co-operation and determination. The initial energy and enthusiasm has kept the Society active as it now looks to recruiting a younger generation to continue the same work and find new avenues to explore as it responds to changing requirements. It is the civic society for the areas covered by the civil parishes of Sheringham Town, Upper Sheringham and Beeston Regis. It is subject to a written constitution administered by an Executive Committee made up of Trustees and is registered with the Charity Commission (No. 280951).
The Fishermen’s Lifeboat Museum is the home of the Henry Ramey Upcher, Sheringham’s last private lifeboat built in 1894 and in service until 1935, still housed in the original boat shed from where she was launched. The museum is dedicated to the history of the lifeboats financed by the Upcher family of Sheringham Hall to be manned by the fishermen of what was originally Lower Sheringham. It includes a wealth of information on the earlier Augusta lifeboat (1838-1894). Exhibits tell stories of Sheringham’s fishing and boat building families of those times.
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The Peter Coke Shell Gallery in Sheringham contains an exhibition of almost 200 stunning shell-art sculptures and beautiful arrangements, made with shells from all over the world – all the work of one man. Actor and playwright Peter Coke (1913-2008) was the voice of Paul Temple in the classic radio series of the 1950’s. Fascinated by the intricate nature of shell formation, Peter devoted himself to this unusual craft, developing his techniques to a stunning level of expertise and producing a wide range of imaginative subjects: a gem of Sheringham not to be missed.
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The Buildings accommodate the Fishermen’s Lifeboat Museum, the Peter Coke Shell Gallery, a small first floor office for the society and below that a craft shop which is rented out. They are not listed (there are only two listed structures in the whole of the town of Sheringham) but, having been sensitively restored, are an important feature of the Conservation Area.
Find out more about what is going on with Sheringham
and District Society, includingng the Fishermen's Lifeboat
Museum and the Peter Coke Shell Gallery.
Come and hear one of our guest speakers.
Admission is by donation - tea and coffee with
a cake will be provided.
Sheringham Hertitage Trail is a circular route around the edge of town to take in the historical features.
Sheringham Trails are a series of walks in and around town and can be done in stages.
This short trail guides visitors wishing to view Sheringham’s current RNLI lifeboat and no fewer than five preserved lifeboats. The oldest of these is the last “private” lifeboat, the Henry Ramey Upcher dating from 1894, contained in the Fishermen’s Lifeboat Museum.
Step into a world of wonder and excitement at The Fishermen's Lifeboat museum and
Peter Coke Shell Gallery. Our museum and gallery offer a unique glimpse into the rich history
and culture of our town. Discover fascinating exhibits and artifacts in the surrounding area from
our list of websites using the links provided
We want Visitors to come and experience our unique collection of
Shell Art including a visit to the Henry Ramey Upcher Lifeboat in her original boathouse.
Please contact us if you require more information.
West Cliff, Sheringham, Norfolk NR26 8JT, United Kingdom