ONE of the Isle of Wight's most iconic beauty spots, Shanklin Chine, is celebrating the 200th anniversary of its opening as a tourist attraction this year.
To celebrate the anniversary, the chine’s manager and Lady of the Manor of Shanklin, Anne Springman, and Island geologist and coastal scientist Prof Robin McInnes have co-authored a new book.
Packed with drawings and photographs, the book outlines the history of the chine from its formation until the present day.
It was formed by a stream, which emerges high in the downs behind the town.
But it was not opened to the public until 1817 when the then Lady of the Manor of Shanklin granted permission for a longshoreman and smuggler, William Colenutt, to excavate a system of pathways and steps leading from the shoreline, through the gorge, past a succession of waterfalls and up to the Old Village. During the late 18th and 19th centuries in particular, the chine attracted a remarkable number of artists, writers, poets and famous visitors.
And in the 20th century, it played a remarkable role during the Second World War as a training ground for 40 Royal Marine Commando, who trained there in preparation for the 1942 Dieppe raid.
The chine also fulfilled an important role as a route for the famous PLUTO (Pipeline Under the Ocean) project.
Anne said: "The chine’s history embraces every aspect of life and I hope and believe every one of us involved in its evolution has felt enriched by its magic."
Shanklin Chine, Isle of Wight, Its History, Environment and Culture is available from the County Press Shop priced at £25.

Reporter: davidn@iwcpmail.co.uk