The Royal Humane Society was founded in London in 1774 by Dr. William Hawes (1736-1808) and Dr. Thomas Cogan (1736-1818) as the Humane Society for the recovery of persons apparently drowned. Later, in the same year the first award was given to a waterman for the rescue of a drowning child. In 1783 King George III became the first patron of the society, and four years later, the society became known as the Royal Humane Society. In 1835, the Receiving House, where first aid could be given, was built for the society in Hyde Park, remaining there until its demolition in 1954. Royal Charter incorporated the society in 1959. From its foundation in 1774 to 2003, the Society has made a total of over 84,500 awards for bravery.
From the guide to the Royal Humane Society collection, 1913, (Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge)
