Pictures of Tollard Royal

About Tollard Royal

A regal name for village that was once the haunt of King John and his courtiers, who hunted in the forest and had a hunting lodge at Tollard. Thus, the village became known as Royal Tollard.

The village clings to the side of a deep valley at the heart of beautiful Cranborne Chase, it lies amid rolling countryside between the market town's of Salisbury, Wimborne Minster, Blandford and Shaftsbury. There are picturesque thatched cottages with rich foliage running over neat doorways, painted black and white. The matchless blessing of the village is King John's House, which dates from the 13th-century and was once the king's hunting lodge. Sitting in a favoured position, next to the church, the house passed to the Pitt-Rivers family in the 18th-century and General Pitt-Rivers, famous as the 'Father of English Archaeology' inherited the house in the 19th-century. After spending many years lovingly restoring the old house, the General graciously opened it to the public. He was a much admired local figure who gave generously of his time and money for the good of the community.

The church of St.Peter ad Vinucular (in chains) dates from the 13th-century, it is one of only three churches in England to have this dedication. It is a grand old church with fascinating relics from its long history, it also contains the tomb of General Pitt-Rivers. The King John Inn is warmly welcoming, its name reflects the villages association with the king. There are a couple of friendly local shops stocking every-day requirements and a few specialist items.

This is an area of sweeping downland and fresh open countryside where there are many interesting villages and fine historic properties to explore. The region, in close proximity to the coast offers excellent hotels, inns and a range of tourist attractions.

Places to visit include: Wimborne Minster, Sherborne, Kingston Lacy (NT), Woodyates RSPB site, Cranborne Manor Gardens and The Royal Signals Museum.