Ever wondered what happens to villages time forgot? Wiltshire holds a fascinating secret: the ‘lost village’ of Imber! Once a thriving community, now a unique historical site open only on special occasions. What tales do its silent streets and ancient church whisper to those who visit?
Wiltshire’s enigmatic ‘lost village’ of Imber recently unveiled its secrets to an eager public, drawing hundreds to explore its unique history. This peculiar settlement, depopulated during World War II, offers a rare glimpse into a bygone era, transforming from a forgotten parish into one of Britain’s most intriguing historical sites. Its limited public access days create an exclusive opportunity for those keen to step back in time.
The village’s fate was sealed in 1943 when its residents were evacuated for military training purposes, a decision that rendered it permanently uninhabited. Although the parish was officially abolished in 1991, merging with nearby Heytesbury, Imber retains a ceremonial presence in local and national governance, underscoring its enduring legacy despite its lack of permanent residents. This aspect highlights the fascinating Wiltshire History embedded within its very fabric.
Under the careful stewardship of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Imber Village remains a live firing range for much of the year. However, with the MoD’s gracious blessing, it opens its gates on a select few occasions annually, typically coinciding with significant holidays like Christmas, Easter, and the August Bank Holiday. These windows of opportunity are eagerly anticipated by history enthusiasts and curious visitors alike, making it a truly Unique Day Out.
Initially, these open days served a somber purpose, allowing former residents and their descendants to visit and tend to ancestral graves. Over the decades, however, Imber’s appeal has broadened considerably. It has blossomed into a quirky tourist attraction, captivating visitors with its preserved church, silent lanes, and poignant reminders of its past, solidifying its place among the most fascinating of Lost Villages UK.
A particular highlight on the village’s annual calendar is the renowned ImberBus Day. This unique event sees a convoy of vintage Routemaster buses ferry sightseers from Warminster to Imber, providing an extraordinary journey through the landscape to this isolated destination. The ImberBus has been instrumental in placing the village firmly back on the map, drawing significant attention to its special character.
During a recent visit, one could wander through the tranquil churchyard of the former Baptist Church, where a handful of the original gravestones still stand as silent witnesses to generations past. These weathered markers offer a tangible connection to the lives once lived within this extraordinary place, adding depth to the visitor’s understanding of this remarkable historical site.
For those planning a future visit, the historic St Giles’ Church within Imber is scheduled to host its annual festival of carols, a ticketed event, on December 13th. Beyond that, the village itself will again be accessible to the general public between December 29th and January 1st, offering further opportunities to explore this unique piece of Wiltshire History. These scheduled openings are crucial for experiencing the true essence of Imber.
