170. Crime Wave: Martin Leach

When researching his family history, Martin Leach unearthed a fascinating story of convicts, a shipwreck and a lifeboat rescue 

What do a barrister, teacher and research chemist have in common? All well-respected professions, and - in the case of the Leach family - descendants of a convict who was rescued by the RNLI in 1862. 

Hear the colourful history Martin Leach discovered when he unpicked his family background - the star of the show being his grandmother’s grandfather who was transported to Bermuda as a prisoner. Martin shares the story of his ancestor’s dramatic return, by sea, to England and reflects on the fact that when the RNLI rescue one person, the impact can be felt for generations. 

 200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLI   

Interview by Adventurous Audio

Soundtrack composed and performed by Jon Nicholls   

The RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200