Corfe Castle and Tyneham Village
We are back from vacation and it was the most refreshing time I have spent in a long time. Even though it rained at times, we had some beautiful, cool fall days and we were able to walk in the pastures, on the beach, and through some amazing ruins.
If you get a chance, You really need to visit Corfe Castle. It is one of Britain's most majestic ruins and overlooks the Isle of Purbeck and it is over 1000 years old. After crawling over the ruins we sat in the garden of The Scot Arms and watched the sun shine on the castle and then disappear behind the clouds and the castle seemed to disappear with the sun. From that distance, it looks like the castle is still intact.
The next day we went to Tyneham, a village that has been caught in time.
It was a sleepy little village deep in the hills of Purbeck.
In mid-November 1943 residents received an unexpected letter from a Major-General at the War Department. It read:
In order to give our troops the fullest opportunity to perfect their training in the use of modern weapons of war, the Army must have an area of land particularly suited to their special needs and in which they can use live shells. For this reason you will realise the chosen area must be cleared of all civilians.
The most careful search has been made to find an area suitable for the army's purpose and which, at the same time, will involve the smallest number of persons and property. The area decided on, after the most careful study and consultation between all the Government Authorities concerned, lies roughly inside of the square formed by EAST LULWORTH-EAST STOKE-EAST HOLME-KIMMERIDGE BAY.
Then handwritten: including your properties - see overleaf
It is regretted that, in the National Interest, it is necessary to move you from your homes, and everything possible will be done to help you,both by payment of compensation, and by finding other accommodation for you if you are unable to do so yourself.The date on which the military will take over this area is the 19 December next, and all civilians must be out of the area by that date.
A special office will be opened at Westport House, WAREHAM, onWednesday 17th November, and you will be able to get advice between the hours of 10am and 7pm, from there on your personal problems and difficulties. Any letters should be sent to that address also for the present.
The Government appreciate that this is no small sacrifice which you are asked to make, but they are sure that you will give this further help towards winning the war with a good heart.
C.H.MILLER Major-General i/c Administration Southern Command
The townspeople did however leave behind them what is now a famous notice pinned to the door of the church. It reads: 'Please treat the church and houses with care; we have given up our homes where many of us lived for generations to help win the war to keep men free. We shall return one day and thank you for treating the village kindly.'
The school house has been turned into a museum and papers that were written by the student's are under Plexiglas with the teacher's remarks written on them. It is almost as if, they are going to step back in any moment from recess and continue their classes.
The villagers were never allowed to return except when they die they have the right to be buried in the church graveyard.
The army has taken over the land and uses it for military practice and it is only open on the weekend. It is very well posted with warnings of tank crossing and large target markers.
If you get a chance, You really need to visit Corfe Castle. It is one of Britain's most majestic ruins and overlooks the Isle of Purbeck and it is over 1000 years old. After crawling over the ruins we sat in the garden of The Scot Arms and watched the sun shine on the castle and then disappear behind the clouds and the castle seemed to disappear with the sun. From that distance, it looks like the castle is still intact.
The next day we went to Tyneham, a village that has been caught in time.
It was a sleepy little village deep in the hills of Purbeck.
In mid-November 1943 residents received an unexpected letter from a Major-General at the War Department. It read:
In order to give our troops the fullest opportunity to perfect their training in the use of modern weapons of war, the Army must have an area of land particularly suited to their special needs and in which they can use live shells. For this reason you will realise the chosen area must be cleared of all civilians.
The most careful search has been made to find an area suitable for the army's purpose and which, at the same time, will involve the smallest number of persons and property. The area decided on, after the most careful study and consultation between all the Government Authorities concerned, lies roughly inside of the square formed by EAST LULWORTH-EAST STOKE-EAST HOLME-KIMMERIDGE BAY.
Then handwritten: including your properties - see overleaf
It is regretted that, in the National Interest, it is necessary to move you from your homes, and everything possible will be done to help you,both by payment of compensation, and by finding other accommodation for you if you are unable to do so yourself.The date on which the military will take over this area is the 19 December next, and all civilians must be out of the area by that date.
A special office will be opened at Westport House, WAREHAM, onWednesday 17th November, and you will be able to get advice between the hours of 10am and 7pm, from there on your personal problems and difficulties. Any letters should be sent to that address also for the present.
The Government appreciate that this is no small sacrifice which you are asked to make, but they are sure that you will give this further help towards winning the war with a good heart.
C.H.MILLER Major-General i/c Administration Southern Command
The townspeople did however leave behind them what is now a famous notice pinned to the door of the church. It reads: 'Please treat the church and houses with care; we have given up our homes where many of us lived for generations to help win the war to keep men free. We shall return one day and thank you for treating the village kindly.'
The school house has been turned into a museum and papers that were written by the student's are under Plexiglas with the teacher's remarks written on them. It is almost as if, they are going to step back in any moment from recess and continue their classes.
The villagers were never allowed to return except when they die they have the right to be buried in the church graveyard.
The army has taken over the land and uses it for military practice and it is only open on the weekend. It is very well posted with warnings of tank crossing and large target markers.
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