The Black House

The Black house

A local landmark steeped in history, The Black House has stood for nearly 200 years on the sand spit of the entrance to Christchurch Harbour.

Originally built as a boatbuilders house, it has had many uses.The locals know it for it's smuggling past. The boats built here included Guinea boats, used exclusively by smugglers, until they were prohibited.

Built on the site of the famous battle of Mudeford of 1784 when freetraders fought against 3 navy ships off shore. Rumour says that the Christchurch Priory (2 miles away) was hit by cannonballs during this time.
Gold was smuggled from here ashore, and distributed about the south of England. Rumour has it that tunnels and cellars have yet to be found in this area, but who knows!

Why is it black?
Once some freetraders were holed up inside and would not come out. The Customs Officers built fires right around the walls. Eventually the smoke and heat was too much and out they came. The walls were blackened through and so they have stayed to this day.