History - 1861

In 1861 Edward Allchorn, a fisherman, reasoned that as it was becoming fashionable to holiday at the coast, it would probably be more profitable to take visitors for trips along the coast during the summer months, rather than continue fishing at this time. Thus the pleasure boat business begun in Eastbourne.

Commencing with a large sailing lugger named 'Skylark', and a number of rowing boats, situated on the site of the present boat stand on Grand Parade, he went boating during the summer and returned to fishing during the winter, aided of course, by his family among who was his son William, after whom the current largest boat is named.

The Allchorn family are of original Sussex and Kentish stock, the heart of the Sussex Allchorns appears to be around Rotherfield, where old records and graves testify to their standing in the area. Many graves carry Christian names, which have been perpetuated unknowingly down through the years to the present day.
One Thomas Allchorn, who held one of the manors of Eastbourne, was made High Sheriff of Sussex in 1701. The family were landowners and farmers but legend has it that after a row, there was a split and one branch turned from the land to the sea. It is also said that the aforementioned manor of Eastbourne was taken from the family as punishment for the smuggling activities of this branch of the family.

Coming back to more recent times, with the advent of railways giving easy access to the coast, business increased and other boats were purchased, the sailing smack 'Golden City' being one of them. Shortly after this the first of the early small marine engines made their appearance and, although not very reliable, they enabled the boats to work in calm conditions, whereas sailing vessels remained immobile.

By this time William Allchorn was head of the firm, his father, and the founder, having died in 1887. William ran the business with his sons George, William, Fred, Jack, Albert and Tom as William Allchorn and Sons.