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One hundred years ago, the village of Cerne Abbas near Dorchester was put up for sale.
Heavy death duties and tough economic conditions after the First World War prompted the sell-off by the Pitt-Rivers family on September 24, 1919.

A total of 拢67,402 was raised at an auction at Dorchester Town Hall from the sale of 73 lots, including houses, shops, farms and pubs. Many of the properties were sold to the tenants, with some going to other bidders.

Susie Thorpe is co-owner of the Old Saddler shop on Duck Street. In 1919, the premises was one of four properties to make up Lot 26 which was sold to its former tenant Mr Paulley for 拢250.

Susie told 成人论坛 Radio Solent reporter Laurence Herdman: "It's just incredible. When you look through the whole auction at some of the figures, one lady bought four houses, hers and her neighbour's, and then tried to make a profit by selling them on to themselves."

The sale, together with growing car ownership and increasing mobility, saw the village develop into the thriving and active community it is today. Farming became the main local industry once more, and many local business continued well into the 20th century. The village is now home to 700 residents and welcomes thousands of visitors ever year.

A special exhibition to mark the centenary of the village sale will be held at St Mary's church. It's been part funded by a National Lottery grant and several events are set to take place during the exhibition period, beginning with readings from the journal of Joseph Benwell Clark, an artist who was born in Cerne Abbas in 1857. On Saturday, September 28, a theatrical re-enactment entitled The Day They Sold A Village will recreate the 1919 sale of Cerne, written and directed by Helen Hewitt and performed by current-day residents.

On Wednesday, October 2, a series of talks by members of the Cerne Historical Society will be followed by a talk by journalist Kate Adie, on the social conditions in Cerne Abbas in 1919. A jazz concert by Sherborne School Swing Band and a village concert of popular and classical music from the 20th century will also be taking place.
The exhibition in St Mary's Church will run from Wednesday, September 25 until Friday, October 4, open from 10am to 5pm daily except for Saturday, September 28. Admission is free. For more information, and for tickets to certain events, visit www.cerneabbashistory.org.

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