Pimperne – A Brief History
CouncilNeighbourhood PlanNewsletterClubsLinks and Useful InfoAccessibilityContact Us Pimperne is an old village, possibly dating from Saxon times, and is mentioned in the Domesday Book (1086) as ‘Pinpre’. The village stands in a valley and lies mostly on chalk. An Iron- Age settlement on the hill behind the church dates from about 500BC while the Long Barrow on the northern boundary of the village is possibly 4000 years old. As far as we are aware the Long Barrow has never been opened but is thought to be the largest in the country.
The land was farmed in Roman times before the Saxons arrived and began the work of clearing the trees from the valleys. The Manor of Pimperne was divided into two parts, the main part being passed down eventually to the Plantagenets. In 1540 Henry VIII presented it to Catherine Howard and in 1543 he gave it to Queen Catherine Parr.
Eventually in 1767 the manor was bought by William Portman. The Portman Estate was finally split up and sold in 1924.
A church has been in Pimperne for many centuries; the font dates from the 12th century and there are ancient yews within the churchyard. The church registers date back to 1559. Outside the church gate is a 14th century preaching cross for the use of friars who were forbidden access to the church by the clergy.
Pimperne - Today
Pimperne is situated within the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, two miles outside of the Georgian town of Blandford Forum. At the heart of the village lies a Conservation Area of special historic interest.
The population of Pimperne has risen steadily over the years and now numbers over 1000.
The village of Pimperne is blessed with a great community spirit. We have a thriving primary school and a well-attended church and busy Village Hall which is host to various clubs and associations. There is also a very active Sports Society and sports field. We are also lucky to have the Anvil Inn in the village a welcoming public house with accommodation, which serves good food.
Pimperne was very proud to win the Best Large Village award in the Dorset Best Kept Village competition in 2011 and 2019.
