The remains of Corfe Castle enroute to Tyneham
So Valerie and I left Worth Matravers and headed towards Tyneham. Tyneham Valley is part of the Jurassic Coast, recently designated a World Heritage Site. Tyneham Village is located just off the South West Coast path. Tyneham Village had been a tranquil serene place until the military came to occupy it in 1943 to prepare for D-Day. At that moment this flourishing rural community came to an end. Initially, the people were told that it was just a temporary occupation, but sadly it turned permanent.
Valerie walks out of the little school house that has been suspended in time.
The one time rectory and street of cottages are now derelict and partially in ruin. For safety reasons their upper storeys have been removed and walls have been capped. Due to being excluded from public use for some 61 years, the wildlife and lands provide evidence of a time gone by. It still thrives on heathland and in bog, on grassland and in woodland, on seashore, cliff and stream. Tyneham House was of antiquarian interest, but unfortunately it was demolished a few years ago.
A picture of Tyneham House in the museum which is in the church
Ironically, but luckily, because of the military presence and continued use of the area, they have put vigilant and unceasing efforts into protecting the many remaining antiquities and the rich variety of flora and fauna. Tyneham Parish itself is about 3000 acres and is 5 miles west of Corfe Castle. Its existence is placed sometime in the 12th century. Apparently Thomas Bardolph owned the manor and gave it to his daughter upon her marriage to a John Russel in 1202. It seems that the manor was ultimately sold in 1683 to Nathaniel Bond and it is the Bond family that retained ownership until the property was compulsorily evacuated for military training by the War Office in 1943 and later relinquished by compulsory purchase in 1952.
Some of the remaining buildings
Once again, the church is the oldest building in its existence and presence. It has been converted to a museum with many informational boards and posters helping to give people a real taste of what this village was before it was forced to disappear. There is something sad yet fascinating about this place. A small unassuming peaceful little village forced to hand itself over to the military because of the war with the promise of being able to come back but never seeing that promise fulfilled.
The church has origins around 1300
An old picture of the village from 1925
How sad that a village should disappear – it must have been heartbreaking for the original residents. War can be blamed for so many things!!!
Yes – but it is the military that is also preserving what is left. Such irony!! They still use the area for military practice so the village is not always open for viewing.
Hola Sara, still loving your trip, photos and stories. How are you getting around, by train, car, bus??
Enjoy, Annette
Hey there, glad you are still visiting the blog. I am getting around by all modes of transportation although I lean towards and tend to use the train the most. Trains are the best way to travel hands down.