The history of Blackgang Chine

The history of Blackgang Chine began back in 1823.

Once, a young, ambitious 15-year-old named Alexander Dabell moved with his family from Nottingham to the beautiful Isle of Wight.

He had a big dream of opening a lace-making factory right in the heart of Newport! Eager to learn and grow, Alexander spent some time in London sharpening his lace-making skills before returning to the Island in 1830 to kick off his very first business.

His drive and determination to succeed were simply inspiring!

Alexander took on a variety of creative jobs to earn a little extra cash, showcasing his resourcefulness — everything from haircutting to opening charming gift shops all over the island.

His journey led him to a remarkable moment in 1839 when he met someone who had recently opened a hotel at Blackgang. At that moment, he realised the incredible potential of the area!

By 1842, he had the land secured with an imaginative throw of a stone, and it was decided that the spot where it landed marked the furthest reach of the lease. This imaginative approach became the very foundation of Blackgang Chine’s success.