1774

Origins at Chapter Coffee House, St Paul's Churchyard, London. The founders, Dr William Hawes (1736-1808) and Dr Thomas Cogan (1736-1818), each invite 16 friends to form the "Humane Society for the recovery of persons apparently drowned." Among them is the playwright, Oliver Goldsmith.

12 July

First award made to Thomas Vincent, a waterman, for saving a child who'd fallen through a trapdoor into a drain leading into the Thames.

1775

Silver medal introduced.

1776

The Society known as the "Humane Society"

1781

Bible given to everyone restored

1783

King George III becomes first patron

1787

Society known as "Royal Humane Society"

1789

Electricity used in restoration procedures

1794

Land in Hyde Park given by George III to the Society. An old farmhouse on the site is used to give medical treatment to the rescued.

1806

Alexander I, Tsar of all the Russias, is awarded a gold medal for saving the life of a drowning peasant. He is the first foreigner to win the award.

1824

Fothergillian Gold Medal essay prize instituted. To be awarded for the best proposal for "the prevention of shipwreck and the preservation of lives of shipwrecked mariners".

1830

British and Foreign Bible Society make an annual gift of 50 Bibles to be given to people saved from committing suicide.

1835

The Receiving House, where first aid could be given, is built in Hyde Park, close to the Serpentine. Architect: J.B. Bunning. Foundation Stone laid by the first Duke of Wellington.

1837

Introduction of Bronze Medal

1838

Grace Darling and her father, William, are presented with specially struck gold medals for their rescue of shipwrecked sailors and passengers off the coast of Northumberland.

1869

Queen Victoria authorises all the Society's medals to be worn on the right breast.

1873

Stanhope Gold Medal instituted. Captain Matthew Webb is the first holder.

1891

"In Memoriam" awards are introduced. Medals were awarded for a time, but from 1938 they became Testimonials on Vellum.

1895

“Stories of the Royal Humane Society” by Frank Mundell published by the Sunday Schools Union.

1940

Receiving House in Hyde Park is damaged by enemy action.

1954

Receiving House is demolished.

1959

Society is incorporated by Royal Charter.

1962

Eligibility for the Stanhope Gold Medal is extended to the Humane Societies of Australasia (founded 1874), New South Wales (1877), Canada (1894), New Zealand (1898), and Liverpool (1939).

1974

The Society's 200th anniversary is celebrated at St Paul's Cathedral. HM the Queen attends the reception afterwards at Haberdashers' Hall.

HRH Princess Alexandra becomes President

1983

Dame Mary Donaldson, a Committee member since 1968, becomes Lord Mayor of London.

1998

Approximately 1,336 silver medals and 11,230 bronze medals awarded since 1774

2000

The Police Medal is introduced for the bravest police officer of the year. The first winner is PC Wayne Martin of Bedfordshire Police who pulled an injured woman from a burning car.