TYNEHAM

 Tyneham Village in Dorset has been deserted for over 60 years, since the second world war. Before that it was an idyllic countryside village, only a couple of miles from the sea and the delightful Worbarrow Bay. It had it's own school, church and post office, several farms and lots of cottages and the mansion called Tyneham House, or the Great House as it was known.

The village had been here since Saxon times, and life for the villagers was idyllic and simple. There was no electricity or running water but it was still a lovely place to live, free from the trouble and strife of the outside world. All this changed just before the Christmas of 1943 when the villagers were told they must leave temporarily, however they have not been allowed to return to this day and the village of Tyneham has remained as if frozen in time for the last 60 years.
It remains in the middle of the MoD tank range, but is now cared for, and open to the public at weekends.
Despite it being a lovely Summer's day when I went there, I felt tinged with sadness for the people who were forced out of such an idyllic place - no more so, than in the restored little church, with its' beautifully tended churchyard.

Close-up of the 40 year old telephone box - one of only 6 of this model left in the country, I believe. (Not a lot of good where you don't have electricity though!)

Inside the church, which has been fully restored, and the churchyard well-tended. Occasional services are still held here

The little village school is also complete and looked after

Below, all that is left of Tyneham House