At the heart of Symondsbury Estate, in Dorset’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, lies the delightful traditional village of Symondsbury. The village and the Estate have been synonymous for many centuries and the Estate still owns a substantial part of Symondsbury today.
Traditionally, the Estate was the mainstay of the village with agricultural and farm rentals as the main income. The majority of the tenants worked on the Estate or in associated employment. As a result of diversification, the Estate now farms the majority of the land. Redundant farm buildings have been converted into business units, empty farm houses and cottages have been turned into holiday lets and a commercial shoot has been reintroduced.
Symondsbury is now regarded as a ‘destination’ village, where both visitors and local people alike can enjoy the tradition and charm of the place, and some notable Estate buildings and landmarks.
Shutes House
A resident of Shutes House was the co-founder of a private electric company in the 1920s. The House became The Rectory from 1951 until 1983, when a new rectory was built in the grounds.
Tithe Barn
Dating back to the 14th century, the Tithe Barn is the second oldest and third largest in Dorset. The original thatch was replaced by a tiled roof in the 1930s, with gable end finials from the House of Commons. A painted board on the beams bearing the inscription ‘God save The King’ is the subject of much discussion amongst historians as to which King the board refers.
Symondsbury House
Symondsbury House has an interesting history. Previous residents include a world famous haematologist and Mr. Alfred Johnson, an eminent local farmer. Mr. Johnson developed the Dorset Horn sheep breed, he was the first farmer to export rams to Australia and the first person to sell a ram for 100 guineas. Symondsbury House is now the home of Sir John and Lady Frederica Colfox.
Sloes Hill on the Estate near Symondsbury is believed to have been the site of a second great battle between Saxons and Danes c. 840.
The 400ft Colmers Hill overlooks Symondsbury and dominates the area. It was named after Rev. John Colmer, Symondsbury Rector 1805-6. The famous trees at the top of the hill were planted around 1916. Colmers Hill is a very popular subject for artists and photographers, capturing this iconic Symondsbury Estate vista in many paintings and photographs.
Other Places of Interest
The Church of St. John the Baptist stands in the centre of the village. Originally Gothic with perpendicular pillars, the first Rector’s records were in 1325. The church register dates back to 1558.
Symondsbury Church of England Primary School was built in 1868, originally as a charity school. One of the early headmasters appointed had been a missionary in Australia, and turned up accompanied by a native Australian and a kangaroo.
The Ilchester Arms, built in the 16th century, was named after the Earl of Ilchester. Down the years publicans have offered baking, shop keeping, butcher and coal merchant services as well as inn keeping.
