​Langton Matravers Local History and Preservation Society

Registered Charity No. 272407
 Our aims are to research, record, collect, publish and exhibit all things relating to the history and development of the parish of Langton Matravers, with particular emphasis on the Purbeck Stone Industry.
D-Day and Langton Matravers
Don't miss the special display in the Langton Matravers Museum commemorating the major role played by Langton Matravers in the success of the D-Day landings which occurred on 6th June, eighty years ago.  The display will run until Saturday, 28th September, 2024.  ​There is further information below.
Our Next Event
Mary Spencer Watson, Sculptor - the last of a creative trio, a talk by Ilay Cooper
Thursday 24th October 2024 at 7:30pm in the Village Hall

Discover Us

An Introduction to Langton Matravers Local History and Preservation Society

​The Langton Matravers Local History and Preservation Society arose from the huge enthusiasm of Reginald Saville who was born in 1922 in the village which continued to be his home until his death in February 2019.
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The Society became his lifetime passion and in the early years of its creation he enjoyed the assistance of other residents, notably Jim Bradford who, until his recent death, lived in Langton Matravers.​​
The Purbeck Stone Museum and the Langton Matravers Museum
The Purbeck Stone Museum ​and Langton Matravers Museum

Our Museum - A Historical Gem

There is a hidden treasure in Purbeck that is known to all too few of the people who live here. In fact most of the visitors it receives from April to September each year are holidaymakers, and they are all full of praise for what they discover. Find out more about our museum by clicking here.

D-Day Display

The museum now has a special display detailing the important role played by Langton Matravers in the success of the D-Day landings on June 6th, 1944. This display coincides with the 80th anniversary of D-Day and it will run until Saturday, 28th September, 2024.
Click the link below to learn more by reading this fascinating article written by the museum's curator, Richard Cottrell.
​D-Day Landings
​Richard was interviewed by Swanage News about Purbeck's secret roll in WW2. The article can be read here.
www.swanage.news/museum-reveals-how-langton-matravers-helped-to-win-wwii/
​There is a further article by Richard in the May 27th edition of the Purbeck Gazette which can be read here.
​https://www.purbeckgazette.co.uk/issues/

Publications

We have a considerable number of local genealogical charts; many relevant Society publications including Parish Registers, details of Monuments in the Churchyard and Cemetery (Anglican and Non Conformist); and some Census transcriptions. Other publications cover the history of local villages, the history of Purbeck Stone quarrying, and Langton Matravers in World War II.  Click here to see our publications.

Family Histories

If you are tracing information about Langton Matravers families, most information will be found by clicking the Publications link at the top or bottom of the page and then Family Histories or Books & CDs.

Forthcoming Events

We have a regular programme of talks and events.
Everyone is welcome, both members and non-members. 

Next Event

Mary Spencer Watson, Sculptor - the last of a creative trio, a talk by Ilay Cooper.
Thursday 24th October 2024 at 7:30pm in the Village Hall

Join Us

We are always pleased to welcome new members.
​Benefits include free admission to the Museum and periodical newsletters.  You can even join the society or renew your membership on the door at any of our events!

The Latest News

Find out what's been happening recently on the Latest News page.
​The minutes of the LMLHPS AGM can be read on or downloaded from the Latest News page.
We also keep you informed through regular newsletters which can be viewed and downloaded on the Newsletter page.

The Barton legacy

The Society has the great good fortune to be the recipient of a wonderful legacy from Reg Saville in the form of Barton, his home for many years and that of his grandparents before him.​

Reg Saville

​Visitors to the website will soon discover that without Reg Saville there would have been no Langton Matravers Local History and Preservation Society.
​Before he died he was adamant in the way only Reg could be that he did not wish to have a large funeral and that wish was honoured by his family when they and no-one else laid him to rest in the village cemetery.
However, ‘the village’ would not let him go without a Celebration of his Life and every seat was taken for an event which took place on 6 March 2019 with members of his family present and pleased to be so!
Click here for the unedited notes from the memory of Reg’s life given by David Selman with the aid of others who knew him well.
Reg's Seat - a memorial to Reg Saville in Langton Matravers
Reg's Seat

​Langton Matravers Local History and Preservation Society
Registered Charity No. 272407
© 2024 Langton Matravers Local History and Preservation Society