Spetisbury is a village in North Dorset, England. It is situated three miles south of the market town of Blandford Forum, and lies between the River Stour and the disused Bath to Bournemouth railway line. It is notable for being a very linear settlement, with most buildings adjacent to the busy A350 road. Spetisbury is an active community with a population of approximately 500 inhabitants, who have access to a wide range of organisations and activities
Spetisbury takes its name from the Old English words speoht (woodpecker) and byrig (a fort). Woodpeckers are commonly found in the village, and there is an Iron Age fort.
Landmarks
St John the Baptist Church
There has been a church in Spetisbury since Norman times. The church was re-built in 1858, but parts of the old church, dating from the 12th century, remain. The columned arcade, the east window, and the two windows in the south wall of the church are late 13th century; also the single lancet in the north wall. The most striking feature is the massive Norman Tower, probably also 13th century, and housing the church’s six heavy bells
Village Hall
Situated in the centre of the village the hall is available for hire for parties and local events. Alongside weekly ping-pong, yoga and other classes the monthly parish council meetings are held in the hall rooms. The Spetisbury Occasional Dramatic Society hold the annual pantomime (oh yes they do!) in the hall.
Spetisbury Station
The Spetisbury Station Project is working with the community to preserve and enhance the former Spetisbury railway station, which closed in 1956. This small group of friendly, enthusiastic volunteers has cleared away demolition rubble to reveal the remains of the station buildings. They have also cleared all the overgrowth to provide a pleasant landscaped site with seats and picnic benches with fine views over the Stour Valley. Replica signage has been provided to recreate the atmosphere of the station. The team meets for work parties every other Sunday, and more members or supporters are always welcome.
Local Businesses
Spetisbury C of E Primary School
We are very proud of our school; the excellent relationships we have with our children, families and friends within our community and the team of people who work hard to make it happy place where we learn together in friendship. Our most recent Ofsted AND SIAMS inspections recognised us as a ‘Good‘ school.
The Shack
Our local and the village meeting point. Serving lunches and evening meals alongside the freehouse bar.
Grounded Coffee Roasters
Spetisbury based Grounded with coffee Shops, coffee roasters and multiple event trucks are a firm fixture of Spetisbury Country day.
Stour Consulting
At Stour Consultancy we aim to provide a broad range of services to business within the defence industry or those wishing to expand into this domain. Our consultants have many years of experience in Business Development and Sales, Estimating and Cost Modelling, Project Management, Business System Development, Procurement, Sub-Contract Manufacturing and Proof Reading of documentation.
Crawford Hardy Ferns
Crawford Hardy Ferns is a small nursery established by Jurgen & Elaine Schedler in 2001 which is run from their premises in Spetisbury, Dorset. The nursery was originally established out of Jurgen’s love of ferns but as the business has grown over the years we have diversified from ferns into tree ferns, palms, bamboos and hardy exotics.
The stock is personally selected by Jurgen from specialist suppliers ensuring of quality. As the nursery is small we have a selected limited stock from more unusual exotic locations from around the world.