Tyneham is a ghost village in Dorset. In 1943, it had a population of 225 people, then the War Office requisitioned it and the surrounding land to use as a firing range. One departing person left a note on the church door: “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.” They never did return.
Twenty miles up the road is Milton Abbas, a monument to one man’s gargantuan ego – Joseph Damer, Lord Milton, built a model village on his country estate to impress his wealthy visitors, but only after he had laid waste to a neighbouring blot on the landscape called Middleton.
There are countless villages in the UK with eccentric histories and urban myths. We’d like to hear about your favourites. If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words that will be judged for the competition.
Keep your tip to about 100 words
The best tip of the week, chosen by travel expert Tom Hall, will win a £200 voucher from glamping specialist Canopy & Stars, which has more than 700 places to stay amid nature. The best tips will appear on the Guardian Travel website, and maybe the paper, too.
We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.
The competition closes on 6 April at 9am BST
Have a look at our past winners and other tips
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