A ‘ghost’ town in Dorset perfectly captures the moment it was abandoned in the 1940s when villagers gave up their homes and lives to help the war effort
The church in Tyneham which has remained abandoned for over 80 years (Image: )
In 1943 time stood still in Tyneham, Dorset when all residents swiftly abandoned their homes, school and church, leaving their village behind, completely deserted.
They had been forced to leave because of the second World War and were given just 28 days’ notice to pack up all their belongings and evacuate. Despite being promised their sacrifice was temporary and they would be able to return, the government permanently seized the village and it remains empty today.
Due to the hurried nature in which the villagers left, there are still poignant reminders of the families who once called it home, some for many years.
A heartbreaking message was attached to the church entrance, which pleaded: “Please treat the church and houses with care. We have given up our homes where many of us have lived for generations, to help win the war to keep men free. We will return one day and thank you for treating the village kindly.”
The land surrounding Tyneham was already used as a firing range but the government decided the village and its fields were needed to train troops before the D-Day landings.
While the area was deemed essential for national defense by the British Army during the war, residents believed they would be able to go home afterwards. However, despite their campaigns Tyneham was permanently taken over by the military for live firing exercises when fighting had ceased and it remains part of the Armoured Fighting Vehicles Gunnery School.
However, it is possible to visit the village which now acts as a snapshot of a time gone by. More than 80 years later, it serves as a “thought-provoking and interesting” tourist attraction and opens periodically throughout the year, offering tourists a fascinating glimpse into the lives of its former inhabitants.
Some of the original dwellings such as a row of terraced houses, the restored church and school buildings are still intact and have exhibitions about the village and its former residents. At Tyneham Farm, some of the outbuildings have been restored and there is also a picnic area. For those wanting to enjoy the nearby stunning Jurassic coast, Worbarrow Bay is around a 20 minute walk away from the village. The World Heritage Site is off the beaten track so remains uncrowded.
One visitor shared their experience on Tripadvisor: “When you visit Tyneham, it is like you are stepping back in time to the 1940s as it has pretty much remained the same since its requisitioning by the Ministry of Defence in 1943 in preparation for the D-Day landings,” they wrote. “It is rather interesting reading about the story of the village’s buildings and the people who were displaced by the MoD. The church is a highlight thanks to how well preserved it is, and I would recommend it to anyone in the area.”
Another said: “This deserted village has such an interesting history. The boards within the church detailing the villagers fight to be allowed to return to the village and the current position are very moving.”
In 2024 the last living resident of Tyneham, Peter Wellman, made his final visit to the village where he was born and raised. He spoke about his recollections of his childhood there to the Dorset Echo: “We had no electricity, no mains gas and no running water – we had to pump that from near the church,” he said.
“I remember going to the beach and fishing and we often had mackerel. We were happy until we got moved out..” Sadly he passed away last year at the grand old age of 100.
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