Imber Village & St Giles

 

Imber Village & St Giles Church

 

 

Usually only Castles, Historic abbeys/ Churches, ruins get into my castle hunter blog but Imber is
a special place and a special place to me. I have longed to go to Imber Village from the moment I heard about it as a child. I have uploaded all the photos I took on my visit as there are very few on
the internet, below is a brief description but I have listed useful links too!

Imber is an isolated and uninhabited village on Salisbury plain near the village of Tilshead and Heytesbury, The entire civilian population was evicted in 1943 to provide an exercise area for American troops preparing for the invasion of Europe during the Second World War. After the war, villagers were not allowed to return to their homes. The village, which is now part of the civil parish of Heytesbury, remains under the control of the Ministry of Defence despite several attempts by former residents to return. Non-military access is limited to several open days a year..

St Giles's church and its graveyard remained in the hands of the Diocese of Salisbury, although access to them was and is controlled by the Ministry of Defence. The Bell Inn was sold to the MoD in the mid-1950s and the Baptist Chapel in the late 1970s.  By 2001 it had become clear, according to a Church of England press release, that St Giles's "was in need of extensive repairs." Since it was "not possible for the parochial church council to accept liability for the maintenance of a building to which they only had effective access for worship once a year

In 2005 Churches Conservation Trust took over it's care. Just in  time as in 2003 the church tower had been struck by lightning weakening the structure, restoration work commenced in 2008 and the annual service resumed in September 2009 on completion of the works.

 

Best website for detail how to visit
www.imberchurch.org.uk

 

Churches Conservation Trust

http://www.visitchurches.org.uk/Ourchurches/Completelistofchurches/st-giles-church-imber-wiltshire/

 

Imber Wiki
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imber

St Giles wiki
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imber#St_Giles_Parish_Church

 

 

 

 

Old Imber..
In the church you will find lots of photos and articles about old Imber

 

Imber Today...
January 2015









St Giles Today...
January 2015

 

 
Memorial to Imber villagers that died during the war.

Walking Up To St Giles

Bell Ringing

 

 

 

Imber Court

The Bell Inn

 

Inside The Bell Inn

Methodist Grave Yard

Inside The Bell Inn

 

The Bell Inn

Goodrich Castle

Goodrich Castle

Parking is available is car park with fee of £1 or free if you park right outside the visitors centre but explain when you go in to pay that your disabled, if you have real limited walking mobility there are 2 spaces right by the castle saving a 300 yard walk.
The staff were really friendly and lovely towards me so much so I wrote to English Heritage to tell them about my great experience.
Dog allowed on Leads
Lovely toilets in the visitors centre
There's also a great little café too serving usual cream teas but also soup and sandwiches
The castle has a few steps once inside but you can really get a great feel for this castle without having to over strain your self.
A few places to sit, some indoor bits if the weather catches you out, This castle really invited you to slow down ponder, sketch, draw and enjoy.
Best Bit - Roaring Meg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roaring_Meg_(cannon)

   see:
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/goodrich-castle/
or
http://www.goodrichcastle.co.uk/

Mont Orgueil Castle - Jersey

Mont Orgueil Castle

Parking is available at Gorey Harbour
Guide Dogs Only.
Toilets in the castle.
This castle has a lot of steep steps and even defeated me so not really suited for disabled visitors
A few places to sit with small café in castle grounds
Best Bit - Has dramatic views and the Tree of Succession

Note:
I suggest e-mailing Jersey Heritage before your visit and ask for admission charges for disabled people

 see:
http://www.jerseyheritage.org/places-to-visit/mont-orgueil-castle

Tree of Succession

Elizabeth Castle - Jersey

Elizabeth Castle

Parking is available in Patriotic Street, the Waterfront and the Esplanade car parks or in parking bays off Victoria Avenue
Pay at Kiosk
Ideal for rainy days as mostly under cover, unsure if rough weather affects the little ferry
or you can reach the castle is reached on foot along a causeway from West Park slipway in St Helier. Visitors can either walk at low tide or catch the pirate-themed Castle Ferry (small charge applies) at high or low tide
Staff great and very welcoming  Guide Dogs Only
Toilets in the castle
A few places to sit with small café in castle grounds
Best Bit - ride on the amphibian boat/ vehicle, there is a good deal of history on this site, with plenty to photograph and sketch

Note:
I suggest e-mailing Jersey Heritage before your visit and ask for admission charges for disabled people

 see:
http://www.jerseyheritage.org/places-to-visit/elizabeth-castle

Castle Cornet - Guernsey

Castle Cornet

Parking is in the main port car park but it is limited
Short 400 Meter walk on a uneven path but mostly level access to the castle entrance
This is not a good castle for people in wheelchairs or limited mobility
Ideal for rainy days as it is mostly undercover with a few museums to explore
Staff great and very welcoming, nice little gift shop too.
 Guide Dogs only
Toilets in the castle levels
A few places to sit and take a rest with a small café within the grounds
interesting site with plenty of history
Best Bit - views over St Peters Port, Roman finds and video displayed in one of the museums

 

Note that the castle is closed during the winter so check website for more details

If you have a carer, they get in free.

 see:
http://museums.gov.gg/article/101089/Castle-Cornet

 

Note:
I never planned to explore this castle, I was tired and thought that it would be like all other
castles on Guernsey / Jersey
WRONG!
It is a brilliant castle, with exceptional views, museums and information.
I am so glad I went in & recommend this castle to all
A MUST SEE!

 

Gunner Tower