Imber aka Little Imber on the down was once a very beautiful village in a very isolated location. There has been a settlement at Imber since before the Romans came to Britain, the area is steeped in history going right back to the Neolithic.
Imber had a population of 450 at it's peak but dwindled to less than half this number by the time the Army took it over and evacuated all the residents.
The village was then used for training purposes and initially US forces trained here in preparation for the D day landings.
The villagers were told they could return when the army were finished with the place but sadly this was not to happen.
Many of the old cottages were made of Cob and simply collapsed or were demolished by the army.
Imber is still today used as a training ground and range and is strictly out of bounds for the general public.
It is opened up a few times each year to allow the public and descendants of the villagers to visit and pay respects.
St Giles church is in good order but the chapel was demolished in 1973 but you can still visit the chapel cemetery.
30 мар 2024
