 At this time, Sailors' Society's received patronage from not only the British Royal Family but also Czar Alexander III of Russia and King Umberto I of Italy.In 1902, the charity founded the King Edward VII Nautical School for 'hardy and heroic sons of the sea'.The Lords of the Admiralty donated copper and wood from HMS "Victory" to Sailors' Society, which the charity made into coins, plaques and busts to fundraise with.