Imber | The story of a village lost to war

In this video, I tell the sad story of Imber, a Wiltshire village evacuated in the heights of World War II to allow for military training.
The residents who lived and farmed here were given just 47 days to pack all of their belongings and leave their homes under the belief that when the war was over, they would be allowed to return.
This promise was never fulfilled.
This is a short, emotive story that I hope will give you an overview of the history that played out here. You can find an abundance of further information at www.imbervillage.co.uk
The village is only open to the public a couple of times a year. The rest of the time, it is used for live military practice which, of course, is a great danger to the public. Please check the following website for details of opening events and ONLY visit during these times:
www.gov.uk/government/publica...
Filmed using DJI Pocket 2
Edited with Filmora

[@walkingthewyrd]

Hey all! This was an emotive piece to film and, for that reason, is a lot shorter than my usual offer. It's not the kind of place to be telling ghost stories, and from an ethical point of view, I decided to do less to camera and more voice-over stuff at home. I hope you enjoy it all the same.

[@hughbean6785]

Thanks enjoyed this Nic

[@jodimusicherself]

This was so beautifully filmed and respectful. Such a sad story for this lovely village. Thanks for taking us along! ❤

[@walkingthewyrd]

Thanks so much, Jodi! I'm really glad you enjoyed it!

[@julier1295]

What a sad story. A village lost to war and time. Thank you for sharing.

[@walkingthewyrd]

Thanks, Julie! It is a sad one, for sure. I hope the residents found happiness elsewhere.

[@DeadColdParanormal]

Love this Nic, what a story indeed and quite sad. St Giles church was beautiful as were some of those old grave stones. Great background music and marvelously narrated. Great job 👍🏻

[@walkingthewyrd]

Thank you, Mark! It is a sad situation for sure. I hope the villagers found happiness wherever they ended up.

[@MythosParanormal]

Another great wander!

[@walkingthewyrd]

Cheers, Mythos! I appreciate it!

[@DontScareClaire]

I couldn't even imagine being given just over a month to leave somewhere you've possibly lived for years and years, under the impression that it's 'only temporary'... and then getting the news that you'll never be able to return? How heartbreaking. Phenomenal job Nic, I absolutely loved the at-home narrative you did for this one too! 🖤

[@walkingthewyrd]

Thanks so much for watching, Claire! It must have been so traumatic for those people. Most had farms too, so they not only lost their homes, but their livelihood too. 💔

[@Lee-St]

Lovely video

[@walkingthewyrd]

Thanks so much, Lee!

[@PanakaNL]

Thank you, such a sad story. beautiful filmed , and you told the story so well. Thank you for taking us to those places❤

[@walkingthewyrd]

Thanks so much, Panaka. I'm grateful to you for your continued support! 😊

[@sarahhartstone6314]

So sad 🙁, another great video thanks Nic x

[@walkingthewyrd]

Thank you, Sarah! 😀

[@miked.5287]

Really well done..another great video nic..thx😁👍

[@walkingthewyrd]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@buzsalmon]

Simply tragic isn't it? And how many other villages are left like this? Thank you for this video!

[@walkingthewyrd]

It's a very sad story. It must have been utterly heartbreaking for those who lived and worked there.

[@leighlewis3545]

That video is nicely done. It was good to speak with you on the day.

[@walkingthewyrd]

Ah thanks so much, Leigh! It was so lovely to meet you!

[@hughbean6785]

That’s sad they never got to return there to live

[@Simonize41]

Hi there, my name is Simon, and I’m very new to your channel (I have subbed). You came highly recommended by dear old Beardo, of ‘Beardo Gets Scared’ fame… And I am glad he shouted you out. Your channel/videos are first rate and I am enjoying your work immensely (working my way through, slowly…). You have a great way about you, both in terms of narrative, skill and passion. I love the paranormal, our ancient history; the medieval etc. I can’t help but dream and try to visualise how things must have been and looked back then. Channels such as yours can only help with that. Thank you ever-so much. Regards, Simon

[@walkingthewyrd]

Hi Simon! Firstly, thanks so much for taking the time to not only watch but to comment, too! Beardo is a top guy, and I'm grateful to him for recommending my little channel! Your feedback is very kind and I'm so glad you are enjoying my content. I'm certainly passionate about history, the paranormal and folklore, so I'm pleased that's translated through my content. I'll be out exploring as often as possible and hope you enjoy more of what I do!

[@Simonize41]

@@walkingthewyrd Hi there. No problem, I had to comment and add my tuppence worth.😊 I’ve always loved history, especially military history and the things we both seem to enjoy here on your channel (I live quite close to Towton, North Yorkshire, where the synonymous War of the Roses battle took place). I have a passion for WWII, particularly the aviation side of things; my forte being the 8th USAAF. Exploring former fighter and bomber bases from that period is special to me. Of course war should never be glorified, however I find it fascinating and compelling. I treat such visits with great respect and my first consideration and thoughts go to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Anyway, I’m waffling.😇 Look after yourself and keep doing what you do. Simon

[@walkingthewyrd]

@Simonize41 thanks for sharing! Military history is definitely interesting, and you clearly have passion for it! The Saxon and Viking era is my favourite period in history and I also find the Victorians fascinating! Thanks again for watching 🙂

[@sybilwinfield538]

Lovely piece. Beardo mentioned you and i am glad i came over to explore and then subscribe

[@walkingthewyrd]

Thank you so much, Sybil and welcome!

[@SammyUnboxingThings]

Nic, your content is so refreshing and unique. I hope to visit these historical places one day. Thank you for posting. You just got a new subscriber ❤❤

[@walkingthewyrd]

Hey Sammy! Thanks so much for the kind comment and sub! I really appreciate it 😊

[@DaveFord]

Wow - that is spooky. Two weeks ago, I read the book "Little Imber on the Down" by Rex Sawyer!

[@walkingthewyrd]

That is a very strange coincidence, Dave! It's another fascinating place.

[@iainmelville9411]

I’m a new subscriber, also recommended by Beardo. Great video I love the history ( I am a history nerd, and proud of it ). I think I’m really going to love it. Thanks for sharing, I’ll check out some of old posts, and explore.😊

[@walkingthewyrd]

Welcome, Iain, and thanks for the sub! I, too, am a proud history nerd! I hope you enjoy my content 🙂

[@thedr309]

such a somber and amazing video you have here made me a new subscriber, even though Beardo told me about it figured i would give it a look glad i did!!

[@walkingthewyrd]

Thanks so much for taking the time to check out my channel! Beardo is a top guy! 👍

[@david_v2.1]

Such a shame. I hope the villagers were given help to find new homes and jobs when they were forced out of their houses but the letter that was posted offered them no definite assurances whatsoever. Poor guys...glad that church survived the urban warfare training though!!...has your subscriber count jumped by around 200 since your last video???😲well done!!!

[@walkingthewyrd]

Hey David! Sadly, they weren't given an alternative place to live, but the War Department did offer to buy any unharvested crops they may have! I have seen some growth here, thanks to a couple of big channels sharing me with their community 🙌🏻 Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@paulus894]

Sad for the residents what happened to them, but nothing has changed today from war to war. After 29 years I have to leave with my caravan because it has become an asylum seeker center for 360 Ukrainians, I am becoming a war victim of a corrupt system in a country that only consists of those types of systems and where as a Dutch person you no longer have any rights in your own country, its sad, very sad.

[@walkingthewyrd]

Thanks for watching, and I'm sorry to hear of your difficult situation.