In November 1943 notice was given to the small population of the village and it’s surrounds that they would be required to leave. We have a figure of 252 people from 102 properties in the “Parish of Tyneham”, ie., an area that was more than the village, leaving before Christmas, they 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.’
This is a video of one familys time in this Dorset village before they were forced to leave in 1943.
