Imber Village Comes Alive with New Year’s Day Visitors
Imber village welcomed over 2,500 visitors during its New Year’s open days, reviving its rich history and charm.
Imber, Wiltshire, UK, St Giles Church, Military Training
Imber: This little village, often called the ‘lost village’, opened its doors from December 30 to January 1. It was a real treat for over 2,500 visitors who got to experience its unique charm.
Located in the military training area on Salisbury Plain, Imber has a fascinating history. It was even mentioned in the Doomsday Book back in 1086 and has a beautiful 13th-century church.
Sadly, during World War II, the village was abandoned. Residents had to leave their homes to make way for American troops preparing for the European invasion.
In November 1943, villagers were gathered and given just 47 days to evacuate. After the war, the lovely cottages were replaced with buildings for military training, and the village was never reopened.
Only St Giles’ Church remains, and every year, the village has a few open days for the public. It’s a chance to explore the church and the deserted village.
Money spent by visitors on snacks and souvenirs goes to the Churches Conservation Trust, which helps protect historic churches like St Giles’.
Neil Skelton, who looks after St Giles, was thrilled with the funds raised during the open days. He’s been the custodian for over 15 years and appreciates the help from his team of volunteers.
He mentioned that these open days draw in lots of visitors, which is great for preserving these historic sites for future generations. While the exact dates for this year’s open days aren’t set yet, they’re expected to happen around Easter.