Clarendon (The), shipwreck
In 1836 the Clarendon was sailing back from the West Indies with 27 crew and passengers.
The voyage had been through storms and, as she passed Brighstone Bay she was blown broadside onto the beach at Blackgang Chine on the morning 11th October 1836.
Local people tried to help those onboard but only managed to save 3 lives before the ship disintegrated under the pounding from the sea. In total, 26 lives were lost. The ship's captain, Samuel Walker, and 18 of the other victims were buried in St. Andrews Church at Chale; another 5 were buried at St Thomas's burial ground, Newport (Church Litten}, and the remaining 2 bodies were never recovered.[1]
Various parts of the ship were recovered, some were incorporated in the Clarendon Hotel at Chale, others are at Blackgang Chine.
- ↑ Kelly's 1885 Directory - Chale
