Places to see in ( Isle of Wight - UK )
Places to see in ( Isle of Wight - UK )
The Isle of Wight is a county and the largest and second-most populous island in England. It is located in the English Channel, about 4 miles off the coast of Hampshire, separated by the Solent. Isle of Wight has resorts that have been holiday destinations since Victorian times, and Isle of Wight is known for its mild climate, coastal scenery, and verdant landscape of fields, downland and chines.
The Isle of Wight has been home to the poets Swinburne and Tennyson and to Queen Victoria, who built her much-loved summer residence and final home Osborne House at East Cowes. Isle of Wight has a maritime and industrial tradition including boat building, sail making, the manufacture of flying boats, the hovercraft, and Britain's space rockets. The island hosts annual music festivals including the Isle of Wight Festival, which, in 1970, was the largest rock music event ever held. Isle of Wight has well-conserved wildlife and some of the richest cliffs and quarries for dinosaur fossils in Europe.
The Isle of Wight was owned by a Norman family until 1293 and was earlier a kingdom in its own right. The Isle of Wight has played an important part in the defence of the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth, and been near the front-line of conflicts through the ages, including the Spanish Armada and the Battle of Britain. Rural for most of its history, its Victorian fashionability and the growing affordability of holidays led to significant urban development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Isle of Wight was part of Hampshire until 1890 when it became its own administrative county, but continued to share the Lord Lieutenant until 1974 when it became a ceremonial county. Apart from a shared police force, there is now no administrative link with Hampshire, although a combined local authority with Portsmouth and Southampton is being considered. Until 1995 the Isle of Wight had a governor.
The quickest public transport link to the mainland is the hovercraft from Ryde to Southsea, while three ferry and two catamaran services cross the Solent to Southampton, Lymington and Portsmouth. The Isle of Wight is situated between the Solent and the English Channel, is roughly rhomboid in shape, and covers an area of 150 sq mi (380 km2). Slightly more than half, mainly in the west, is designated as the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The island has 100 sq mi (258 km2) of farmland, 20 sq mi (52 km2) of developed areas, and 57 miles (92 km) of coastline. Its landscapes are diverse, leading to its oft-quoted description as England in miniature.
Main towns in ( Isle of Wight - UK ) are :
Newport is the centrally located county town, with a population of about 25,000 and the island's main shopping area. Located next to the River Medina, Newport Quay was a busy port until the mid-19th century.
Ryde, the largest town with a population of about 30,000, is in the northeast. It is Victorian with the oldest seaside pier in England and miles of sandy and pebble beaches.
Cowes hosts the annual Cowes Week and is an international sailing centre.
East Cowes is famous for Osborne House, Norris Castle and as the home from 1929 to 1964 of Saunders-Roe, the historic aircraft, flying boat, rocket and hovercraft company.
Sandown is a popular seaside resort. It is home to the Isle of Wight Zoo, the Dinosaur Isle geological museum and one of the island's two 18-hole golf courses.
Shanklin, just south of Sandown, attracts tourists with its high summer sunshine levels, sandy beaches, Shanklin Chine and the old village.
Ventnor, built on the steep slopes of St Boniface Down on the south coast of the island, leads down to a picturesque bay that attracts many tourists. Ventnor Haven is a small harbour.
( Isle of Wight - UK ) is well know as a tourist destination because of the variety of places you can enjoy while you are visiting the city of Isle of Wight . Through a series of videos we will try to show you recommended places to visit in Isle of Wight - UK
Join us for more :
Places to see in ( Isle of Wight - UK )
Places to see in ( Isle of Wight - UK )
The Isle of Wight is a county and the largest and second-most populous island in England. It is located in the English Channel, about 4 miles off the coast of Hampshire, separated by the Solent. Isle of Wight has resorts that have been holiday destinations since Victorian times, and Isle of Wight is known for its mild climate, coastal scenery, and verdant landscape of fields, downland and chines.
The Isle of Wight has been home to the poets Swinburne and Tennyson and to Queen Victoria, who built her much-loved summer residence and final home Osborne House at East Cowes. Isle of Wight has a maritime and industrial tradition including boat building, sail making, the manufacture of flying boats, the hovercraft, and Britain's space rockets. The island hosts annual music festivals including the Isle of Wight Festival, which, in 1970, was the largest rock music event ever held. Isle of Wight has well-conserved wildlife and some of the richest cliffs and quarries for dinosaur fossils in Europe.
The Isle of Wight was owned by a Norman family until 1293 and was earlier a kingdom in its own right. The Isle of Wight has played an important part in the defence of the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth, and been near the front-line of conflicts through the ages, including the Spanish Armada and the Battle of Britain. Rural for most of its history, its Victorian fashionability and the growing affordability of holidays led to significant urban development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Isle of Wight was part of Hampshire until 1890 when it became its own administrative county, but continued to share the Lord Lieutenant until 1974 when it became a ceremonial county. Apart from a shared police force, there is now no administrative link with Hampshire, although a combined local authority with Portsmouth and Southampton is being considered. Until 1995 the Isle of Wight had a governor.
The quickest public transport link to the mainland is the hovercraft from Ryde to Southsea, while three ferry and two catamaran services cross the Solent to Southampton, Lymington and Portsmouth. The Isle of Wight is situated between the Solent and the English Channel, is roughly rhomboid in shape, and covers an area of 150 sq mi (380 km2). Slightly more than half, mainly in the west, is designated as the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The island has 100 sq mi (258 km2) of farmland, 20 sq mi (52 km2) of developed areas, and 57 miles (92 km) of coastline. Its landscapes are diverse, leading to its oft-quoted description as England in miniature.
Main towns in ( Isle of Wight - UK ) are :
Newport is the centrally located county town, with a population of about 25,000 and the island's main shopping area. Located next to the River Medina, Newport Quay was a busy port until the mid-19th century.
Ryde, the largest town with a population of about 30,000, is in the northeast. It is Victorian with the oldest seaside pier in England and miles of sandy and pebble beaches.
Cowes hosts the annual Cowes Week and is an international sailing centre.
East Cowes is famous for Osborne House, Norris Castle and as the home from 1929 to 1964 of Saunders-Roe, the historic aircraft, flying boat, rocket and hovercraft company.
Sandown is a popular seaside resort. It is home to the Isle of Wight Zoo, the Dinosaur Isle geological museum and one of the island's two 18-hole golf courses.
Shanklin, just south of Sandown, attracts tourists with its high summer sunshine levels, sandy beaches, Shanklin Chine and the old village.
Ventnor, built on the steep slopes of St Boniface Down on the south coast of the island, leads down to a picturesque bay that attracts many tourists. Ventnor Haven is a small harbour.
( Isle of Wight - UK ) is well know as a tourist destination because of the variety of places you can enjoy while you are visiting the city of Isle of Wight . Through a series of videos we will try to show you recommended places to visit in Isle of Wight - UK
Join us for more :
INSIDE ACCESS: Isle of Wight County Museum
Isle of Wight County Museum's collection includes the world's oldest ham—it's 100 years old!
Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight /ˈaɪl əv ˈwaɪt/, known to the ancient Romans as Vectis, is a county and the largest island of England, located in the English Channel, on average about 3 to 5 mi (5 to 8 km) off the coast of Hampshire, separated from mainland United Kingdom by a strait called the Solent. The island has several resorts which have been holiday destinations since Victorian times.
The history of the Isle of Wight includes a brief period of time as an independent kingdom in the 15th century. Until 1995, like Jersey and Guernsey, the island had a Governor.
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pillbox - bouldnor forest - isle of wight
located near bouldnor battery this rare square shaped pillbox is larger than the norm and has iron bars over the loopholes , any ideas what type it is ? this was the holy grail of pillboxes for me to find on the island.
The Isle of Wight UK Part 2 Spectacular coastal path walk made by Huggie2love
Highlights of Part 2 of My Coastal Path walk on the Isle of Wight Hampshire UK My journey along the Beautiful Unspoilt Picturesque villages and along the cliff top’s are Breathtaking views l see are free and there priceless, Hope you like and enjoy this new video. Sunsets I taking from the the Top Deck of the Isle of Wight Passenger Ferry across From Portsmouth to Ryde
My Feature Video and pictures are on the Isle of Wight Some awesome Videos and Pictures I missed out in the Highlights of Part 1 video of My Coastal Path walk on the Isle of Wight. My Feature Videos and pictures are of Old Shanklin Village Isle of Wight Ventnor Bay, Ventnor Village, Monks Bay, Luccombe Bay, Shanklin seaside village, God’s Hill village and church, Sandown Bay, Sandown Pier
My Feature Video and pictures are The most picturesque Thatched cottage is Pencil Cottage Old Shanklin Village Isle of Wight. Godshill is the quintessential English Village With its delightful medieval church, charming thatched-roofed cottages. Ventnor on the South of The Isle of Wight is a traditional seaside resort,
Highlights of Part 2 is from Sandown Bay, Sandown Town, Whiecliff Bay, Foreland, Bembridge Fishing Village, and Point, Node’s Point, Priory Bay, Horestone Point, Nettlestone Point, Puckpool Point, Ryde Pier Head Ryde Town Ryde Passenger Ferry From Portsmouth,
My next Highlights of Part 3 of My Coastal Path walk on the Isle of Wight Hampshire UK is from Ryde Pier Head Ryde on to Wootton creek, Fishbourne, Osbourne Bay, East Cowes, Old Castle Point, Cowes Harbour, Cowes Passenger Ferry From Portsmouth, Egypt Point, Gurnard Bay, Thorness Bay, Newtown Creek, to on Yarmouth at the Finished My Coastal Path walk on the Isle of Wight its where I started Start the walk it’s on Part 1 Video
Hope you like and enjoy this Part 2 video and also I want to Thank you so much for your great support and I am so glad you enjoyed watching my videos. Have a beautiful Weekend Warm hugs from my heart and much ԼƠƔЄ from Huggie xoxo
Godshill is the quintessential English Village, and boasts some of the oldest architecture on the Isle of Wight. With its delightful medieval church, charming thatched-roofed cottages and a winding main-street lined with traditional tearooms, Godshill is as picturesque as it is popular. It is also known for being the site of the first ever Isle of Wight Festival, which took place at Ford Farm in 1968.
Ventnor on the South of The Isle of Wight is a traditional seaside resort, and one of Britain's most famous Victorian health resorts due to its unique micro-climate. The town lies beneath St Boniface Down (the highest point on The Isle of Wight and for the most part is built on the side of a steep hill leading down to the seafront and beach Dinosaur island
,
Shanklin really is the most charming of traditional seaside resorts with it’s glorious long wide sandy beach set against a backdrop of dramatic sandstone cliffs. Relax and unwind on the golden sands, hire a traditional beach hut or, for the more energetic, try the water sports on offer. . Lose yourself in the history and character of Shanklin Old Village packed with charming thatched cottages most housing wonderful, unique gift shops and tea rooms. Rylstone Gardens provide the most tranquil and beautiful spot to sit and soak up the sunshine. Part of the town of Shanklin is stil known as the Old Village and consists mainly on stone-built cottages and houses, many with thatched roofs which gives it a picture-book charm. It sits alongside the beautiful Rhylstone Gardens and the famous Shanklin The famous Shanklin Chine, a gorge with rare plants and delightful waterfall, is quite simply unique.
The most picturesque Thatched cottage is Pencil Cottage Old Shanklin Village Isle of Wight
Sandown sits on the Southern coast of the Isle of Wight, really is the most charming of traditional seaside resorts with it’s glorious long wide sandy beach set against a backdrop of dramatic sandstone cliffs. Relax and unwind on the golden sands, hire a traditional beach hut With one of the highest concentrations of dinosaur fossils anywhere in the world, the Isle of Wight has been dubbed Dinosaur island The area around Sandown Bay is a fun place for fossil hunting, so with a keen eye you could be leaving with a very special, very old souvenir. You can also visit the Dinosaur museum to explore more of the Isle of Wight’s dinosaur history. One of the town’s most well-known features is the traditional Sandown Pier.
On top of the cliffs in Bembridge overlooking Whitecliff Bay with its secluded beach, beautiful sandy beach virtually all to yourselve The sand and shingle beach of Whitecliff Bay is situated near the eastern tip of the Isle of Wight.
Bembridge is situated on the most easterly point of the Isle of Wight, lying behind the spectacular headland of Culver.
Ryde's pier is the second-longest seaside pier in the country. Only Southend's is longer. nearly 1/2 mile
Isle of Wight - Alum Bay Chair Lift
The chair lift to Alum Bay and the Needles on the Isle of Wight
August 2016
DISCOVER QUEEN VICTORIA AND PRINCE ALBERT’S FAMILY HOME, OSBORNE HOUSE, ISLE OF WIGHT
DISCOVER QUEEN VICTORIA AND PRINCE ALBERT’S FAMILY HOME, OSBORNE HOUSE, ISLE OF WIGHT, UK
Long Lost Lines of the Isle of Wight teaser
Mark takes us on a trip around the disused railways of the Isle of Wight.
This DVD will be released in October 2012 on Amazon.co.uk
more information at longlostlines.co.uk
A brief introduction to the Isle of Wight Military and Heritage Museum
A brief introduction to the Isle of Wight Military and Heritage Museum ( Credit and apologies to Bryan May and Queen )
Wight Island, America's Cup Jubilee- 2001
Classics and other Ships in the Solent at Cowes
The quality of the video is awful, but it's there...
ISLE OF WIGHT SPOKEN RECORD David Manners
When he retired from Siemens Plessey David Manners was Engineering Manager and was responsible for the MESAR project, the forerunner of the SAMPSON radar. This interview took place at the Cowes Radar Company Staff Reunion in 2012.
If you would like your story told email roblipscombe@msn.com
Blackgang Chine - Cliffhanger Rollercoaster Off-Ride - May 2018 | kittikoko
Filmed in 2018.
If you want to read more about Blackgang Chine, I've just finished this book by a local author - it's full of old photos and fascinating facts! I haven't been asked to promote it and I've never spoken to the author, so I hope they don't mind me including a link - just thought it might be of interest to my fellow Blackgang fans!
Journey into Imagination: A History of Blackgang Chine:
Blackgang Chine is the UK's oldest amusement park. Named after a now-destroyed chine (a coastal ravine) in the soft Cretaceous cliffs, it is about 6 miles from Ventnor at the southern tip of the Isle of Wight just below St Catherine's Down. Blackgang Chine and its sister park Robin Hill are owned by the Dabell family. Blackgang Chine is home to a series of imaginatively themed lands, including a Pirate Cove, a realm of Dinosaurs, an Underwater Kingdom, a Fairy Village and a Cowboy Town. Owing to the unstable land on which the park is situated, landslides occur frequently, meaning that attractions have continually to be moved further inland to safer ground.
During Blackgang Chine's early years, the area was a steep gaunt ravine, overlooking Chale Bay, stretching around three-quarters of a mile down to the shore. It was a quiet place, visited by few people other than local fishermen with rumours of a thriving smuggling trade, which has now become a key theme of the park.[2] On 11 October 1836 the cargo ship Clarendon was wrecked at the foot of Blackgang Chine, with the loss of all aboard.[3]
During Victorian England, people were seeking out new healthy holiday resorts, ideally near the coast. As the railway network was getting closer and closer to the south coast, the Isle of Wight was becoming an increasingly attractive holiday destination. Alexander Dabell, the founder of the park, soon realised the business potential of this, trying various ventures. In 1839 Alexander became friends with a publican who had recently built a hotel at Blackgang, which now forms the Chine Cafe (Formerly Pirates' Pantry restaurant) and administration offices.[2] After studying the gault and chine gorge, he knew instantly that gardens could be set up that would appeal to the Victorians as a romantic holiday destination. This along with the increasing popularity of the adjacent Sandrock Spring (a Chalybeate spring) led to Alexander concluding a lease for the site in 1842 and the establishment of Blackgang Chine amusement park in 1843. The area was then opened up to the public with pathways built down to the ravine and gardens landscaped on the cliffs. Steps were built to give access to the beach from the lower road. Since the park was opened, it has remained a family business, with the descendants of Alexander Dabell owning it ever since.[4][5] The park's claim to have been established in 1843[1] would make it the oldest theme park in the United Kingdom. Its initial theme of a general-purpose scenic and curiosity park led to one of its most famous attractions, a large whale skeleton, which had been washed up near the coast of The Needles in 1842, and is still a showpiece today.[2]
Owing to continual landslides, the chine itself has been destroyed, and coastal erosion still has a significant impact on the area today. The park's focus now is themed entertainment for families with young children, lifesize animatronic dinosaurs being a noted feature. The same owners run a sister site, the Robin Hill countryside adventure park.[6] Clifftop walks in and around the area give panoramic views of the English Channel and the south-western Isle of Wight coast.
According to a May 2000 talk to the Isle of Wight Postcard Club by the then director, Mr Simon Dabell, the etymology is simply black pathway (the original appearance of the chine),[5] but the theme park understandably fosters the interpretation of a smuggling origin. Thus visitors to the park are greeted by a gigantic fibreglass smuggler between whose legs they could pass to enter.[6]
The park is frequently associated with ghosts, particularly related to smugglers, with several tales of sightings around the park. In 2008 a video was recorded, showing what appeared to be the apparition of a girl in a blue dress.[9]
Southern Vectis bus route 6 serves the amusement park on its way between Newport and Ventnor.[10] In the summer, the Island Coaster also stops here.
Blackgang Chine - Whale Skeleton - July 2009 | kittikoko
This is the skeleton that started it all!
If you want to read more about Blackgang Chine, I've just finished this book by a local author - it's full of old photos and fascinating facts! I haven't been asked to promote it and I've never spoken to the author, so I hope they don't mind me including a link - just thought it might be of interest to my fellow Blackgang fans!
Journey into Imagination: A History of Blackgang Chine:
Blackgang Chine is the UK's oldest amusement park. Named after a now-destroyed chine (a coastal ravine) in the soft Cretaceous cliffs, it is about 6 miles from Ventnor at the southern tip of the Isle of Wight just below St Catherine's Down. Blackgang Chine and its sister park Robin Hill are owned by the Dabell family. Blackgang Chine is home to a series of imaginatively themed lands, including a Pirate Cove, a realm of Dinosaurs, an Underwater Kingdom, a Fairy Village and a Cowboy Town. Owing to the unstable land on which the park is situated, landslides occur frequently, meaning that attractions have continually to be moved further inland to safer ground.
During Blackgang Chine's early years, the area was a steep gaunt ravine, overlooking Chale Bay, stretching around three-quarters of a mile down to the shore. It was a quiet place, visited by few people other than local fishermen with rumours of a thriving smuggling trade, which has now become a key theme of the park.[2] On 11 October 1836 the cargo ship Clarendon was wrecked at the foot of Blackgang Chine, with the loss of all aboard.[3]
During Victorian England, people were seeking out new healthy holiday resorts, ideally near the coast. As the railway network was getting closer and closer to the south coast, the Isle of Wight was becoming an increasingly attractive holiday destination. Alexander Dabell, the founder of the park, soon realised the business potential of this, trying various ventures. In 1839 Alexander became friends with a publican who had recently built a hotel at Blackgang, which now forms the Chine Cafe (Formerly Pirates' Pantry restaurant) and administration offices.[2] After studying the gault and chine gorge, he knew instantly that gardens could be set up that would appeal to the Victorians as a romantic holiday destination. This along with the increasing popularity of the adjacent Sandrock Spring (a Chalybeate spring) led to Alexander concluding a lease for the site in 1842 and the establishment of Blackgang Chine amusement park in 1843. The area was then opened up to the public with pathways built down to the ravine and gardens landscaped on the cliffs. Steps were built to give access to the beach from the lower road. Since the park was opened, it has remained a family business, with the descendants of Alexander Dabell owning it ever since.[4][5] The park's claim to have been established in 1843[1] would make it the oldest theme park in the United Kingdom. Its initial theme of a general-purpose scenic and curiosity park led to one of its most famous attractions, a large whale skeleton, which had been washed up near the coast of The Needles in 1842, and is still a showpiece today.[2]
Owing to continual landslides, the chine itself has been destroyed, and coastal erosion still has a significant impact on the area today. The park's focus now is themed entertainment for families with young children, lifesize animatronic dinosaurs being a noted feature. The same owners run a sister site, the Robin Hill countryside adventure park.[6] Clifftop walks in and around the area give panoramic views of the English Channel and the south-western Isle of Wight coast.
According to a May 2000 talk to the Isle of Wight Postcard Club by the then director, Mr Simon Dabell, the etymology is simply black pathway (the original appearance of the chine),[5] but the theme park understandably fosters the interpretation of a smuggling origin. Thus visitors to the park are greeted by a gigantic fibreglass smuggler between whose legs they could pass to enter.[6]
The park is frequently associated with ghosts, particularly related to smugglers, with several tales of sightings around the park. In 2008 a video was recorded, showing what appeared to be the apparition of a girl in a blue dress.[9]
Southern Vectis bus route 6 serves the amusement park on its way between Newport and Ventnor.[10] In the summer, the Island Coaster also stops here.
The Newport Medieval Ship in Context
The Newport Medieval Ship in Context: The Life and Times of a 15th Century Merchant Vessel Trading in Western Europe
Toby N. Jones and Nigel Nayling
This paper presents a summary of recent research into the broader economic, cultural and political world in which the Newport Medieval Ship was built and operated. Digital modeling of the original hull form has revealed the dimensions, capacity, and performance of the vessel. Examination of the individual ship timbers and overall hull form have led to a greater understanding of shipbuilding and woodland resource management in the late medieval period. Archaeological research has helped to illuminate the origins of the vessel and revealed details about its use-life. Direct evidence of trade between the Iberian Peninsula and the British Isles has been uncovered, along with clues relating to the origin and size of the crew and general aspects of daily-life on board the ship. In addition, the online publication of a comprehensive digital archive has enabled unprecedented access to the wealth of detailed archaeological data produced by the project.
Blackgang Chine - Water Powered Sawmill - July 2009 | kittikoko
I believe these items were auctioned off several years ago.
If you want to read more about Blackgang Chine, I've just finished this book by a local author - it's full of old photos and fascinating facts! I haven't been asked to promote it and I've never spoken to the author, so I hope they don't mind me including a link - just thought it might be of interest to my fellow Blackgang fans!
Journey into Imagination: A History of Blackgang Chine:
Blackgang Chine is the UK's oldest amusement park. Named after a now-destroyed chine (a coastal ravine) in the soft Cretaceous cliffs, it is about 6 miles from Ventnor at the southern tip of the Isle of Wight just below St Catherine's Down. Blackgang Chine and its sister park Robin Hill are owned by the Dabell family. Blackgang Chine is home to a series of imaginatively themed lands, including a Pirate Cove, a realm of Dinosaurs, an Underwater Kingdom, a Fairy Village and a Cowboy Town. Owing to the unstable land on which the park is situated, landslides occur frequently, meaning that attractions have continually to be moved further inland to safer ground.
During Blackgang Chine's early years, the area was a steep gaunt ravine, overlooking Chale Bay, stretching around three-quarters of a mile down to the shore. It was a quiet place, visited by few people other than local fishermen with rumours of a thriving smuggling trade, which has now become a key theme of the park.[2] On 11 October 1836 the cargo ship Clarendon was wrecked at the foot of Blackgang Chine, with the loss of all aboard.[3]
During Victorian England, people were seeking out new healthy holiday resorts, ideally near the coast. As the railway network was getting closer and closer to the south coast, the Isle of Wight was becoming an increasingly attractive holiday destination. Alexander Dabell, the founder of the park, soon realised the business potential of this, trying various ventures. In 1839 Alexander became friends with a publican who had recently built a hotel at Blackgang, which now forms the Chine Cafe (Formerly Pirates' Pantry restaurant) and administration offices.[2] After studying the gault and chine gorge, he knew instantly that gardens could be set up that would appeal to the Victorians as a romantic holiday destination. This along with the increasing popularity of the adjacent Sandrock Spring (a Chalybeate spring) led to Alexander concluding a lease for the site in 1842 and the establishment of Blackgang Chine amusement park in 1843. The area was then opened up to the public with pathways built down to the ravine and gardens landscaped on the cliffs. Steps were built to give access to the beach from the lower road. Since the park was opened, it has remained a family business, with the descendants of Alexander Dabell owning it ever since.[4][5] The park's claim to have been established in 1843[1] would make it the oldest theme park in the United Kingdom. Its initial theme of a general-purpose scenic and curiosity park led to one of its most famous attractions, a large whale skeleton, which had been washed up near the coast of The Needles in 1842, and is still a showpiece today.[2]
Owing to continual landslides, the chine itself has been destroyed, and coastal erosion still has a significant impact on the area today. The park's focus now is themed entertainment for families with young children, lifesize animatronic dinosaurs being a noted feature. The same owners run a sister site, the Robin Hill countryside adventure park.[6] Clifftop walks in and around the area give panoramic views of the English Channel and the south-western Isle of Wight coast.
According to a May 2000 talk to the Isle of Wight Postcard Club by the then director, Mr Simon Dabell, the etymology is simply black pathway (the original appearance of the chine),[5] but the theme park understandably fosters the interpretation of a smuggling origin. Thus visitors to the park are greeted by a gigantic fibreglass smuggler between whose legs they could pass to enter.[6]
The park is frequently associated with ghosts, particularly related to smugglers, with several tales of sightings around the park. In 2008 a video was recorded, showing what appeared to be the apparition of a girl in a blue dress.[9]
Southern Vectis bus route 6 serves the amusement park on its way between Newport and Ventnor.[10] In the summer, the Island Coaster also stops here.
Blackgang Chine - Giant Whale Animatronic In The Fog - June 2018 | kittikoko
Even more beautiful and atmospheric in the fog!
Journey into Imagination: A History of Blackgang Chine:
Blackgang Chine is the UK's oldest amusement park. Named after a now-destroyed chine (a coastal ravine) in the soft Cretaceous cliffs, it is about 6 miles from Ventnor at the southern tip of the Isle of Wight just below St Catherine's Down. Blackgang Chine and its sister park Robin Hill are owned by the Dabell family. Blackgang Chine is home to a series of imaginatively themed lands, including a Pirate Cove, a realm of Dinosaurs, an Underwater Kingdom, a Fairy Village and a Cowboy Town. Owing to the unstable land on which the park is situated, landslides occur frequently, meaning that attractions have continually to be moved further inland to safer ground.
During Blackgang Chine's early years, the area was a steep gaunt ravine, overlooking Chale Bay, stretching around three-quarters of a mile down to the shore. It was a quiet place, visited by few people other than local fishermen with rumours of a thriving smuggling trade, which has now become a key theme of the park.[2] On 11 October 1836 the cargo ship Clarendon was wrecked at the foot of Blackgang Chine, with the loss of all aboard.[3]
During Victorian England, people were seeking out new healthy holiday resorts, ideally near the coast. As the railway network was getting closer and closer to the south coast, the Isle of Wight was becoming an increasingly attractive holiday destination. Alexander Dabell, the founder of the park, soon realised the business potential of this, trying various ventures. In 1839 Alexander became friends with a publican who had recently built a hotel at Blackgang, which now forms the Chine Cafe (Formerly Pirates' Pantry restaurant) and administration offices.[2] After studying the gault and chine gorge, he knew instantly that gardens could be set up that would appeal to the Victorians as a romantic holiday destination. This along with the increasing popularity of the adjacent Sandrock Spring (a Chalybeate spring) led to Alexander concluding a lease for the site in 1842 and the establishment of Blackgang Chine amusement park in 1843. The area was then opened up to the public with pathways built down to the ravine and gardens landscaped on the cliffs. Steps were built to give access to the beach from the lower road. Since the park was opened, it has remained a family business, with the descendants of Alexander Dabell owning it ever since.[4][5] The park's claim to have been established in 1843[1] would make it the oldest theme park in the United Kingdom. Its initial theme of a general-purpose scenic and curiosity park led to one of its most famous attractions, a large whale skeleton, which had been washed up near the coast of The Needles in 1842, and is still a showpiece today.[2]
Owing to continual landslides, the chine itself has been destroyed, and coastal erosion still has a significant impact on the area today. The park's focus now is themed entertainment for families with young children, lifesize animatronic dinosaurs being a noted feature. The same owners run a sister site, the Robin Hill countryside adventure park.[6] Clifftop walks in and around the area give panoramic views of the English Channel and the south-western Isle of Wight coast.
According to a May 2000 talk to the Isle of Wight Postcard Club by the then director, Mr Simon Dabell, the etymology is simply black pathway (the original appearance of the chine),[5] but the theme park understandably fosters the interpretation of a smuggling origin. Thus visitors to the park are greeted by a gigantic fibreglass smuggler between whose legs they could pass to enter.[6]
The park is frequently associated with ghosts, particularly related to smugglers, with several tales of sightings around the park. In 2008 a video was recorded, showing what appeared to be the apparition of a girl in a blue dress.[9]
Southern Vectis bus route 6 serves the amusement park on its way between Newport and Ventnor.[10] In the summer, the Island Coaster also stops here.
Ada Yorke with subtitles
Ada Annie Hind was born in 1858. Having seen her brothers enter the profession of medicine as doctors, Ada, too, wanted to follow this route but her gender was against her as in the late 19th century there was little opportunity for women to enter the field. Instead she became determined to become a nurse, even though her family was opposed to it and though underage, Ada was accepted at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington in London.
Prior to the First World War she had a distinguished nursing career. Along with Florence Nightingale she formed the original Army Nursing Service during the Soudan Campaign 1883. She was one of the longest lasting nurses out there as many got sent home due to illness. However when she arrived back at Southampton she was taken ill with Blackwater fever (a severe often fatal form of Malaria) and double pneumonia and transferred to Netley Military Hospital- where she was not expected to survive. Whilst in hospital she was awarded the Royal Red Cross for her services in the conflict.
Owing to illness Ada had to decline the invitation to form the Indian Army Nursing Service. Instead she joined her brother Alfred in Jersey and helped at his medical practise. In Jersey she married Harry Walter Yorke and became Ada Yorke. They had two children Harold Ernest Pierpoint Yorke in 1891 and Kathleen Mary Yorke in 1894. In the early 1900s they came back to these shores and settled in Laverstoke, Hampshire where Harry became the rector of the Church of Virgin Mary.
At the outbreak of the First World War, Ada Yorke was called to lecture for the British Red Cross and to organise detachments for auxiliary hospitals in large country houses. According to her Red Cross personnel record, in August 1914 she was stationed in Basingstoke before arriving at Winchester Red Cross hospital in February 1915. She was appointed Staff Matron of the Southern Command by the War Office with headquarters in Winchester. She established a large hospital in the boy's school at Winchester College. It was set up to accept convoys of wounded from France. Her daughter Kathleen was one of the volunteer nurses and quickly learnt to drive becoming an ambulance driver picking up wounded from the train station. Ada was based at No.4 the Close in Cathedral Close and responsible for looking after and training many volunteers in the fundamentals of nursing. It was a role that was very fulfilling for her.
For her service during the war, Matron Ada Yorke was awarded a bar to her Royal Red Cross. It was awarded on July 3 1918, the same day her son Captain Harold Yorke from the Royal Army Medical Corps received the Military Cross.
At the end of the war aged 60 years old Ada withdrew from nursing to Laverstoke Rectory. She later moved to the United States to be closer to her daughter's family. Ada Yorke died on 17th October 1931 in Portland, Oregon but her work as Matron in Hampshire Red Cross hospitals during the First World War will long be remembered.
With thanks to:
Ada's relatives, Mary Taylor and Alexandra Yorke
The Red Cross Museum and Archives
Hampshire Record Office
Winchester College Archive
Blackgang Chine - Portly Polly - July 2009 | kittikoko
12hp double high-pressure 1916 Ruston Proctor PDG class portable No 51457 called Portly Polly. This steam engine has now been sold and removed from the park.
If you want to read more about Blackgang Chine, I've just finished this book by a local author - it's full of old photos and fascinating facts! I haven't been asked to promote it and I've never spoken to the author, so I hope they don't mind me including a link - just thought it might be of interest to my fellow Blackgang fans!
Journey into Imagination: A History of Blackgang Chine:
Blackgang Chine is the UK's oldest amusement park. Named after a now-destroyed chine (a coastal ravine) in the soft Cretaceous cliffs, it is about 6 miles from Ventnor at the southern tip of the Isle of Wight just below St Catherine's Down. Blackgang Chine and its sister park Robin Hill are owned by the Dabell family. Blackgang Chine is home to a series of imaginatively themed lands, including a Pirate Cove, a realm of Dinosaurs, an Underwater Kingdom, a Fairy Village and a Cowboy Town. Owing to the unstable land on which the park is situated, landslides occur frequently, meaning that attractions have continually to be moved further inland to safer ground.
During Blackgang Chine's early years, the area was a steep gaunt ravine, overlooking Chale Bay, stretching around three-quarters of a mile down to the shore. It was a quiet place, visited by few people other than local fishermen with rumours of a thriving smuggling trade, which has now become a key theme of the park.[2] On 11 October 1836 the cargo ship Clarendon was wrecked at the foot of Blackgang Chine, with the loss of all aboard.[3]
During Victorian England, people were seeking out new healthy holiday resorts, ideally near the coast. As the railway network was getting closer and closer to the south coast, the Isle of Wight was becoming an increasingly attractive holiday destination. Alexander Dabell, the founder of the park, soon realised the business potential of this, trying various ventures. In 1839 Alexander became friends with a publican who had recently built a hotel at Blackgang, which now forms the Chine Cafe (Formerly Pirates' Pantry restaurant) and administration offices.[2] After studying the gault and chine gorge, he knew instantly that gardens could be set up that would appeal to the Victorians as a romantic holiday destination. This along with the increasing popularity of the adjacent Sandrock Spring (a Chalybeate spring) led to Alexander concluding a lease for the site in 1842 and the establishment of Blackgang Chine amusement park in 1843. The area was then opened up to the public with pathways built down to the ravine and gardens landscaped on the cliffs. Steps were built to give access to the beach from the lower road. Since the park was opened, it has remained a family business, with the descendants of Alexander Dabell owning it ever since.[4][5] The park's claim to have been established in 1843[1] would make it the oldest theme park in the United Kingdom. Its initial theme of a general-purpose scenic and curiosity park led to one of its most famous attractions, a large whale skeleton, which had been washed up near the coast of The Needles in 1842, and is still a showpiece today.[2]
Owing to continual landslides, the chine itself has been destroyed, and coastal erosion still has a significant impact on the area today. The park's focus now is themed entertainment for families with young children, lifesize animatronic dinosaurs being a noted feature. The same owners run a sister site, the Robin Hill countryside adventure park.[6] Clifftop walks in and around the area give panoramic views of the English Channel and the south-western Isle of Wight coast.
According to a May 2000 talk to the Isle of Wight Postcard Club by the then director, Mr Simon Dabell, the etymology is simply black pathway (the original appearance of the chine),[5] but the theme park understandably fosters the interpretation of a smuggling origin. Thus visitors to the park are greeted by a gigantic fibreglass smuggler between whose legs they could pass to enter.[6]
The park is frequently associated with ghosts, particularly related to smugglers, with several tales of sightings around the park. In 2008 a video was recorded, showing what appeared to be the apparition of a girl in a blue dress.[9]
Southern Vectis bus route 6 serves the amusement park on its way between Newport and Ventnor.[10] In the summer, the Island Coaster also stops here.