A treasure trove of information

Dorset History Centre preserves, shares and celebrates the rich heritage of Dorset.

The archives held at the centre range from Dorset Council’s records to personal collections, as well as books, pamphlets and other publications. It is from these archives that the Dorset History Centre have shared this rare footage of countryside life in Iwerne Minster during World War 1.

This heart-warming video was filmed in 1918 in the peak of summer. It shows the fertile and peaceful land of Iwerne Minster whilst the War continued from afar. It was used to settle growing concerns about home life caused by German propaganda in an attempt to get fighters to return home.

Watch the video below to hear a short introduction from Maria Gayton, the Dorset History Centre engagement officer, explaining more about where the video has come from and the story behind it, followed by 15 minutes of the historic film portraying the tranquil life of Iwerne Minster.

Iwerne Minster Today

Today, Iwerne Minster is a picturesque small village and parish on the edge of the Blackmore Vale, halfway between the towns of Shaftesbury and Blandford Forum.  The River Iwerne flows from a spring in the heart of the village and the original Minster, now known as St Mary’s Church, is recognised as being one of “England’s thousand best churches” and is well worth a visit.