On Christmas Eve more than 70 years ago an entire village was abandoned and hundreds of people were forced to leave their homes, never to return.
It happened suddenly - a letter was issued and seemingly overnight Tyneham became a ghost village, with a mix of huts and country houses and a traditional church sitting in the centre was all abandoned.
In what could be considered one of the most beautiful spots in the country, with Kimmeridge Bay to the east and Lulworth Cove to the west, sits this quiet village.
On December 24, 1943, this peaceful village near the sea and 7,500 acres of surrounding heathland were commandeered by the War Office to help train Allied troops.
All 252 residents of the tiny Dorset village were given days to pack their belongings and leave their homes with a hope of one day returning.
Villagers left a note pinned to the church door pleading with people to take care of the homes and church.
The note said: " 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 and keep men free. We shall return one day and thank you for treating the village kindly."
Sadly for the families, they would never be able to return to the homes they had lived in for generations as the village is still to this day it is used as a gunnery and other training manoeuvres.
After countless campaigns in 1948 the village and surrounding land were compulsorily purchased and the inhabitants were never allowed to return. The temporary militarisation of the area became a permanent situation.
Today, you can visit and walk around this village that simply stopped in time, and explore inside the church and school, discovering their history, including examples of schoolwork and children’s names still on their pegs.
Information is displayed throughout the village about the families that once lived in Tyneham, and what life was like for them in this seemingly idyllic, yet remote spot.
The village is primarily open to the public at weekends with a few exceptions. The exhibitions in Tyneham Church, Tyneham Farm and Tyneham School are open between 10am and 4pm. Check the calendar to plan your trip.
The gate to Tyneham is locked each night at dusk. Entry is free but there is a donation box in the car park.
