Gallery of Ages
A stunning collection of vintage photos of West Lavington taken over two centuries.
With thanks to Lyn Dyson and Ros Hooper for sharing these precious studies.
our role as a parish council...
- Protect historic landmarks and community spaces
- Preserve vital historical records and archives
- Champion local heritage through strategic planning
- Maintain and restore community historical buildings
- Partner with local historians to document community story
How you can get involved...
- Uncover Stories: Research, interview, archive community memories
- Preserve Places: Restore sites, maintain landmarks, protect history
- Share Knowledge: Create exhibits, lead tours, spark curiosity
- Speak Up: Engage with us, influence heritage strategies
- Connect Generations: Volunteer, learn, pass on local legacy
Heritage
A comprehensive overview of West Lavington’s local heritage, covering its history from early origins through the Domesday Book, 17th-century fire, 18th and 19th-century developments, to 20th-century changes. It highlights key events, economic activities, and architectural features that have shaped the village’s character over time, offering a rich historical narrative for the community.
Heritage
The Great War
A captivating photographic journey through West Lavington during World War I, revealing local military scenes from 1914-1918, featuring Canadian, Australian, and British troops, tanks, and wartime memorabilia, meticulously preserved and shared by local historians.
The Great War
The Robbers’ Stone
The Robbers’ Stone is a Grade 2 listed memorial near West Lavington, erected c.1840. It commemorates a robbery in 1839 where Mr. Dean was attacked by four highwaymen. After pursuit, one died and three were captured and transported. The stone serves as a public warning against theft and robbery.
The Robbers' Stone
War Memorial
The War Memorial in West Lavington, established in 1921 in All Saint’s Church churchyard, has undergone recent updates. In 2013-2014, local historian Lyn Dyson led a project to add three previously omitted names. A WW1 commemoration service and re-dedication occurred on June 22, 2014. Lyn continues researching those remembered on both the War Memorial and the church’s Roll of Honour. Her work also explores connections between the village’s twinning with St Pierre d’Autils and WW2 events in nearby Vernon, France.
War Memorial
Whistler Window
The Whistler Window, also known as the Chancel Millennium Window, is a significant feature in All Saints’ Church, West Lavington. Created by Simon Whistler (1940-2005), it’s his largest engraved window, divided into seven panels. The window’s theme is Christ the Good Shepherd, partly referencing David Saunders, the “Pious Shepherd of Salisbury Plain,” who lived in the parish from 1717 to 1796.
Whistler Window