A short drive away from the historic monument of Stonehenge, and an hour outside of Bath, is a hidden village, completely lost to time.

Uninhabited by residents and left in ruins is the forgotten village of Imber in Wiltshire. Once a thriving parish on Salisbury Plain, it now sits still, shut off from the world, only allowing visitors for a mere few days in the entire year. 

Like a number of other villages across the country, Imber’s locals were ‘liberated’ of their homes in 1943 on the lead-up to the war. They were given just 47 days’ notice before their homeland was cleared to make way for US troops to train ahead of the Second World War.

It’s believed residents were under the impression they could return to their homes once the war was over, except they were never allowed back. Salisbury Plain went on to become the largest military training ground in the UK, now covering over 94,000 acres.

History 

While it’s thought that there has been a small settlement at Imber since as early as 967 AD, with records showing signs of life in the Doomsday Book in 1086, at the time of evacuation it was home to over 150 people. 

By the 14th century its population was around 250 people, which had fallen to around 152 during the 1940s, and after the war, it lost 28 of its villagers who were serving.

A letter to a local, giving a short evacuation notice, stated: “Arising out of the decision that increased training facilities are to be made available in the Imber area, I regret to inform you that it is necessary to evacuate the major part of the Department’s Imber Estate, including your dwelling.”

Although villagers protested, they were not successful, and it was decided even long after the war that the land was far too great of use for the military and far too dangerous for people to live on it. At the time, however, many people were willing to leave, as they felt it was their civic duty and they wanted to contribute to the war effort for those fighting on the frontlines.

Many of the buildings sitting within the village suffered damage from explosions after the war and during military operations, then further suffered from weather conditions. Even if the residents had been allowed to move back home they would not have been safe to.

Fight for the village

In 1961, after years of isolation and frustration, more than 2,000 people rallied together to demand the villagers should move back in. This led to a public enquiry, although it found in favour of Imber’s continued use for military purposes. 

It was not until the 1970s that finally some evidence was uncovered, which led to a return agreement for villagers, but by then it was far too late.

It was later decided the church could be maintained and would open on the Saturday closest to St Giles’ Day annually for residents and locals to attend. This is a practice that continues to this day. 

Present Day

Despite the rest of the parish dying out, unloved and uncared for, St Giles’ church in Imber remains as it was, protected by the Diocese of Salisbury. The church was then recorded as Grade I listed in 1987 and continues to act as a place of significance for those who wish to remember the village and its once bustling life. 

Each year around St Giles’ Day, it hosts a service which is attended by former residents as well as soldiers who used the village for training and other members of the public. Another service held at the church takes place on the Saturday before Christmas, a tradition which has been in place since 2009. 

The Ministry of Defence is required to allow public access to the village on these days, which is now limited to just three times a year. In memory of the village that once was, ImberVillage.co.uk pays tribute to the lives of those who once called the place home and allows their legacies and memories to be shared.