Imber, Wiltshire, and Tyneham, Dorset, were both deserted in World War II when residents were forced to flee.
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They were given just days to pack their bags before the areas would become military training grounds.
For one of the villagers, from Imber, the news was too much to bare and he passed away just weeks after he had to leave.
After the war it was announced that both villages would be retained for military training and the villagers would never return home.
Now all that remains of Imber is blown-out tanks which flank the road and signs warning visitors not to leave the footpaths due to unexploded military debris.
Tragically, the once lively town is now known as the “lonliest village in England“.
And, it seems it will stay this way, as the area is only obligated to be open to the public for one day per year and is limited to a maximum of 50 days.
Now Imber is a shadow of its former self and only its bare bones remain – although the church has been restored.
And Tyneham has a similar sorry story to tell as it seems its residents also believed they would return.
One even left a heartbreaking sign which read: “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.”
After World War II ended the government announced their decision to retain Tyneham as part of the Lulworth Ranges, a military area used by tanks and armoured vehicles for live-firing practice.
However, maybe the future isn’t quite as bleak for this village as footpaths across the firing ranges are open most weekends and between 175,000 and 185,000 people visit each year.
Residents of both villages started campaigns to be allowed to return home but they were never successful.
It comes as residents of a run-down “ghost town” that’s been deserted for 16 years say it’s like being in a post-apocalyptic world.
Much of Gildas Avenue in Kings Norton, Birmingham, has already been demolished, while other houses remain derelict and have been boarded up.
The majority of people in the area moved out years ago including Carl Harris, the “last remaining resident” of the street, who agreed a deal with the council for the purchase of his home last year.
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