6 days ago
Abandoned UK village dating back to Domesday Book is reopening next month – but visitors must beware of hidden danger
AN ABANDONED village is set to reopen next month, as visitors are warned about historic dangers.
Imber Village in Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, dates back to the Domesday Book, and has also operated as a military training site.
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Visiting the village
Next month, from August 23 to 25, the site will be reopening to the public, providing a unique opportunity to explore its empty buildings and abandoned military vehicles.
However, a number of signs around the site warn visitors about a potential safety hazard.
The signs read: "Danger unexploded military debris. Do not leave the carriageway."
Behind the sign, pictures show a disused military tank, as well as a set of tank tracks next to a grassy mound.
Getting to the village
The annual bus service, known as Imberbus, will return on Saturday, August 16.
It includes up to 30 Routemaster buses, as well as other vehicles, that will run from Warminster to Imber, in addition to other villages in Salisbury Plain.
Buses will operate for one day only on a regular service between 10am and 6pm.
Tickets cost £10 for adults and £2 for children and can be used an unlimited amount on the day.
This gives visitors the opportunity to explore other villages in the area.
The following week Imber village will reopen to the public.
History
While much of the village is no longer in tact, there are still a number of empty houses and cottages that can be explored.
A pub called The Bell Inn still stands.
Other buildings still standing include the manor house, Imber Court, a farmhouse, farm cottages, a small schoolhouse, and four housing blocks built in 1938.
The nearby St Giles' Church dates back to the 13th century and became a Grade I listed building in 1987.
A record of the Wiltshire village in the Domesday Book of 1086 shows it was an isolated community that relied heavily on agriculture.
Having been owned by the Ministry of Defence since 1932, visitors are only welcome at the site for a few days each year.
The opening times usually fall once in the spring, summer, and over the Christmas and New Year period.
In 1943, its population of around 150 was evicted to provide a training ground for American troops during WW2.
The site is still controlled by the Ministry of Defence, despite attempts from some locals to return.
It was last open to the public at Easter, with photos showing the eerie village streets.
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