FEATURE
Blackgang hits 170 and still going strong
Island Life goes behind the scenes to discover the secrets of
one of the Island’s most popular tourist locations
The very word ‘Blackgang’ has a
legendary ring about it, summoning
up visions of smugglers, shipwrecks
and wild storm lashed shores.
In 1800 Blackgang Chine was a steep
gaunt ravine situated some 500 feet
above the sea overlooking Chale Bay,
a wild and desolate place but rife with
rumours of a thriving smuggling trade!
In about 1823 Alexander Dabell,
his sisters and parents, all arrived
on the Island and he and his family
accompanied by others started a
lace-making factory in Newport. He
later returned to open his first business
in the town at a time when the railway
network was getting ever closer to the
south coast.
Alexander recognised the business
potential of the Island, and tried a
number of different business ventures,
including hair-cutting, selling hair oil
and establishing gift shop outlets in
Newport, Sandown and Shanklin.
By 1839 he had met and become
friends with a publican who had built
a new hotel at Blackgang; now a large
cafe, and administration offices.
Alexander studied the gaunt and
awe-inspiring chine gorge, and knew
immediately that he could create
gardens which would appeal to
romantic Victorians. By 1842, he had
concluded a lease and he opened the
Chine to the public.
Pathways were built down the
ravine; gardens were landscaped
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on top of the cliffs, and steps were
constructed to the beach from the
lower road. But this was not enough!
Then in 1842 a huge fin whale
became stranded off the Needles, and
Alexander saw his chance. He bought
it at auction, had the bones bleached,
and transported it across the Island to
a hut, where he displayed the skeleton
to the morbid curiosity of all, and it's
still on show today!
A gift bazaar was also opened, and
he and wife Amelia created "The
Blackgang Experience”.
The Island became a top seaside
resort, and Blackgang Chine shared
in that popularity. The Chine gardens
increased in size and style, but
remained scenic.
The park continued to be developed
but it wasn't until 1967 when Dick
Dabell (who recently retired) visited
the US and was inspired by Disney
and others who themed parks, that
Blackgang Chine started to evolve into
the magical land of imagination and
discovery that it is today.
His inspiration resulted in the
development of Dinosaur Land,
Frontier Land, Nursery Land and
many more themed areas which have
created wonderful childhood memories
for many generations and continues
to do so today. Visitors return year
after year to experience the magic and
re-live their childhood. Where else in
the world can you draw your six guns
at noon, be a fairy princess for a day,
sail a pirate ship or ride a dinosaur?
Blackgang Chine has always provided
the key to unlocking the imaginations
of generations.
This year, Blackgang Chine celebrates
its 170th anniversary, making it the
world's oldest theme park, and we
want to celebrate this momentous
occasion in style!
There's new and exciting areas