Another Isle of Purbeck gem, Tyneham village is one of Dorset's truly unique features; a village evacuated in 1943 to allow the armed forces much needed firing ranges as the Allies prepared for the invasion of Europe and the D-Day landings. However, the evacuation became permanent, leaving an entire parish devoid of people.
There were reportedly 252 people in 102 properties in the village and surrounding parish who left their homes on that day in 1943.
Now a ghost village, Tyneham is a place of great historic curiosity and is a fascinating place to wander round. However, it's still located within the artillery ranges and access is limited to holidays and most weekends.
Many of the ruined cottage walls bear plaques giving information and pictures of their former inhabitants.The cottages were owned by the Bond family who lived at Tyneham House further up the valley, and most of the villagers would have been employed by the Bonds, either working the land or in the 'big house'.
Although life here was in reality probably quite harsh, to us it seems an almost idyllic spot nestling in a green valley and close to the sea and Warbarrow Bay. It must have been a great place for children to grow up!
St Mary's Church houses a fascinating exhibition showing the history of the village. By the church wall is the village tap from which all the villagers got their daily water.
Attached to the church door is a poignant message left by the parishioners when they evacuated the village. It reads:
'Please treat the church and houses with care; we have given up our homes where many of us lived for generations to help win the war to keep men free. We shall return one day and thank you for treating the village kindly.'
The school building was opened in 1860 and is laid out inside as it would have looked in its pre-war days. Apparently it closed its doors to pupils in 1932, presumably as village numbers declined.
The rectory was probably the finest house in the village, although is not much to look at now! If you look at the plaque below, you can see how grand it looked in its heyday.
