The trail highlights thirty-five sites of historic interest, most of them being visible as you follow the trail map around the village.
At many of the sites information is provided. This is either by an information board at the location, ia your smartphone using a QR Code found on a plaque at the location which directs you to the site on this website. In many cases the information not only describes the history of the site but explores the social history of the village.
For a few sites, the location is identified on the trail map, but the information board is sited on a display board at the King George’s Hall carpark.
Additionally, there are three sites identified where there is now no evidence above ground, and where there is no public access. Information about these important historic sites is given on a panel on this notice board.
Finally, we hope you enjoy walking the trail, but please respect the privacy of the residents.
NAME OF THE VILLAGE
In Saxon times, at least by 880, the village name was Deone. By the time of the Doomsday Book in 1086 the name had become Duene, meaning quiet and sheltered, for the Wiltshire entry and Dene for the Hampshire entry. In 1265 the name was Westdone and by 1270 this had become Westdune. In the present name Dean means a vale or the narrow wooded valley of a stream, still an accurate description and even more so in times past.
MAJOR HAPPENINGS
To purchase a copy of the book "A Brief History of West Dean" please contact Sara Gruzelier dandsgruzelier@gmail.com
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