Isle of Wight Photo
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Blackgang Chine Isle of Wight short history
(Chine is the Saxon word meaning Chasm or Gorge cut in soft rock by water
The word in now only used in The Isle of Wight and Hampshire)
The Chine overlooks the English Channel with views across the southern end of the island
Unfortunately, as the cliffs are of soft sandstone, there is frequent erosion during the winter storms
It is reported that in 1799 a whole farm fell into the sea, and in 1928 the main road to Ventnor was washed away
This erosion has uncovered dinosaur remains a little further down the coast
During the past 60 years the main cliff face has eroded at least 300 yards
Since records began in 1750, over 180 ships have been wrecked on this treacherous coastline, sometimes helped along by gangs of 'wreckers'
These were gangs who placed lights on the rocks during storms. Sailors thought that these lights were of a safe harbour
They were not, and the ships foundered on the rocks, with great loss of life, and the cargo looted
Close by is St Catherine's lighthouse that has the most powerful light of any lighthouse in the world
Even today with the state of the art navigation equipment that ships use, and the lighthouse, there are still some wrecks
The chine is privately owned, as was first opened to the public in 1843
At that time the cliff extended about 200 yards further out than it does now, and the park moves back into the cliff every time there is a new landslide
Opening times for 2004 are
22nd March to 31st October Daily 10am to 5pm
Gardens floodlit each evening till 10pm
Entrance prices:-
Per Person (4 to 60) £7.50
Saver Ticket (4 Persons) £27.00
Senior Citizens £5.50
Disabled Concession £4.00
Group Rates for 15 or more persons
Free return visit within 4 days on production of original entrance ticket
Please note that the webmaster of this site does not have any connection with Blackgang Chine, and has taken the above information from the guide pamphlet
For more details please visit