St Giles' Church, Imber facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Giles' Church |
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| Location | Imber, Wiltshire, England |
| Built | late 13th century |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Designated | 11 December 1987 |
| Reference no. | 313552 |
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St Giles' Church is a special old church located in a deserted village called Imber. This village is in Wiltshire, England. Since 1943, the area around the church has been used by the British Army for training. The church itself was built a very long time ago, in the late 1200s or early 1300s. It is considered a very important historical building, listed as Grade I. Today, it is looked after by the Churches Conservation Trust. Because it's in a military training area, it's quite hard for people to visit.
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A Church with a Unique Story
The church was built using strong limestone in the late 1200s. It replaced an even older church that had been there since the 1100s. In the 1300s, a tall tower with five pointed tops, called pinnacles, was added. North and south aisles were also built at that time. Many changes and repairs were made to the church in the 1800s.
The Village of Imber and the Army
The village of Imber is part of the British Army's training grounds on Salisbury Plain. During the Second World War in 1943, all the people living in Imber had to leave. This was so American troops could practice for the invasion of Europe. After the war ended, the villagers were not allowed to return to their homes.
Because the villagers couldn't come back, many items from the church were moved. The font (a basin for baptisms) went to Brixton Deverill. The pulpit (where sermons are given) moved to Winterbourne Stoke. The church seats, a bell, and two statues were taken to Edington Priory. Even though it's empty, Imber is still officially a village. It remains under the control of the Ministry of Defence.
Access to the Church
Former residents have tried to return to Imber many times, but they have not been allowed. Because of this, people can only visit the village and church on a few days each year. Unlike the rest of the village, St Giles' Church and its graveyard stayed under the care of the Diocese of Salisbury. However, the Ministry of Defence still controls when people can visit them. For the Church of England, the church area of Imber became part of the parish of Edington.
Restoring St Giles' Church
By 2001, St Giles' Church needed a lot of repairs. The local church group could not take care of a building they could only visit once a year. So, they asked for the church to be declared "redundant." This started a legal process that ended in 2005. The church was then given to the Churches Conservation Trust to look after.
Repairs and New Bells
In 2003, lightning struck the church tower, making it weaker. Restoration work began in 2008. The annual church service, which is allowed by the military, started again in September 2009 after the repairs were finished. In August 2010, after a lot of restoration work, a set of six bells was put into the tower.
Visiting the Church Today
The church and village are open to the public on certain days when the Ministry of Defence allows access. These visiting days usually happen around Easter and during August. Sometimes, special events like music performances are held there. At all other times, it is strictly forbidden to enter the church and village area.
A few former residents have been buried in the churchyard. For example, a burial took place in 2023 for Ray Nash, whose family had left the village in 1936. The report mentioned that the funeral before that had been ten years earlier.
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