thatched cottages in the village, some of which retain their original curtilage. Recently some modern developments have included a smattering of thatched houses in an acknowledgement of the local vernacular architecture. Governance There is a Lytchett Maltravers electoral ward for Dorset Council. It is larger than the parish, extending westward towards Bulbury. The 2011 Census recorded the ward's population as 3,747. Geography The village is on higher ground in a landscape of small valleys, open fields and woods about northwest of Poole and a similar distance north of Wareham. The elevation gives views from many parts of the village to Poole Harbour and the Purbeck hills. The village is in the Green Belt of the South East Dorset conurbation. To the northeast are the plantations of Henbury and Stoney Down and to the south the woods of Lytchett Heath. The village is on what until 150 years ago was the main road between Poole and Dorchester. There is some through traffic through the village between the main A350 and A35. Religion The parish church of St Mary the Virgin is northwest of the modern village, on the former site of the village deserted in the 14th century. The church's west tower is 13th-century, the chancel is 14th-century and the rest of the church was rebuilt in about 1500. It is a Grade I listed building. The west tower has six bells, the oldest of which was cast in about 1400. Near the middle of the village is a Methodist church, which is a member of Poole Bay Methodist Circuit. Amenities Lytchett Matravers has two pubs: the Chequers Inn and the Rose and Crown. The village has a primary school. It was enlarged and relocated in 1990 and draws pupils from outside its catchment area. Secondary education is provided by Lytchett Minster Secondary School which is about from the village. The village hall was built in 1972, to replace the ailing Victory Hall. It has views over Poole Harbour. A small parish council office is attached. The youth centre is just off the west end of the High Street and is derelict. The village has a children's play area, recreation ground, basketball court, a skateboarding area and a scout hut for the 1st Lytchett Matravers Scouts. The Lion Hall and more recently the British Legion have been demolished to make way for new housing estates. Economy A small number of businesses