Shanklin Chine Gorge and its history (8 photos + 1 video)

This densely forested, creek-riddled gorge in Shanklin on the British Isle of Wight has inspired poets, smugglers and soldiers without losing its charm. And he continues to do this successfully to this day.





Created by river waters that gracefully charted its depths, the natural beauty and secluded wilderness of Shanklin China in England were used for everything from smuggling to military training, inspiration and spiritual meditation.



Shanklin China's largest waterfall

"Chine" is a parochial word, a little-used term describing a steep-walled river valley, and this is the landscape that characterizes Shanklin China. Hewn out of soft sandstone, with a small stream and curtains of waterfalls, the valley began attracting visitors in the early 1800s when a trail was built through it. Such famous writers and connoisseurs of beauty as Jane Austen and William Keats visited this natural wonder and wrote lovingly about their stay here. In particular, Keats is known to have written some of his greatest works while at Shanklin.





Extract from The Beauties of the Isle of Wight, published by S. Horsley in 1828:

Entering the gorge from the shore, we pass along one side, rough and barren; through which the poor fisherman made a winding path; while below a babbling stream makes its way to the ocean, which pours out its seething waters to its foot and spreads its boundless expanses before it. On the other side the cliff is fertile, covered with overhanging trees and shrubs, and adorned with a neat cottage and a small country inn. Approximately in the middle is a small rocky ridge: and the path now leads in a serpentine path to a place of terrifying grandeur, formed by enormous masses of matter on each side and the rustling of a small cascading waterfall, which falls from the top of the ridge and passes between dark overhanging cliffs.



The depths of the gully also provided a golden opportunity for smugglers, who began transporting their illicit goods through the unseen section of the wooded ravine. Eventually, to stop this practice, watchtowers were built inside.



During World War II, Chain was taken under protection and used for military purposes. First, a small pipeline was laid along the river valley. In addition, the uniquely isolated and difficult terrain was used as a training ground for a Royal Marine unit. Parts of the pipeline still remain along this route and are called PLUTO (Pipe Line Under The Ocean).



Preserved section of the pipeline



Despite such different lives, Shanklin Chyne remains unfailingly beautiful and continues to inspire countless guests each year, whether lyrical, pragmatic or cynic.