While known for the plague outbreak in 1665, Eyam has a history predating this event. Evidence suggests early occupation by ancient Britons on the surrounding moors, with Roman lead mining activity, and later Anglo-Saxon settlement. The village's response to the plague, choosing to isolate itself to prevent its spread, is a significant part of its history. Eyam was a settlement in Domesday Book, in the hundred of Blackwell and the county of Derbyshire. It had a recorded population of 19 households in 1086.placeholder image
While known for the plague outbreak in 1665, Eyam has a history predating this event. Evidence suggests early occupation by ancient Britons on the surrounding moors, with Roman lead mining activity, and later Anglo-Saxon settlement. The village's response to the plague, choosing to isolate itself to prevent its spread, is a significant part of its history. Eyam was a settlement in Domesday Book, in the hundred of Blackwell and the county of Derbyshire. It had a recorded population of 19 households in 1086.

9 of the oldest places in Derbyshire where you can still live and visit in 2025

Emma Walker
By Emma Walker

Editor

Published 4th Jul 2025, 12:43 GMT

Uncover the charm of Derbyshire's oldest villages and towns where history thrives, inviting you to live and visit in 2025.

You don’t need a history degree to know Derbyshire and the Peak District are packed with heritage.

Sure, plenty of old roads and buildings have disappeared over time, but dig a little deeper and the area’s rich past comes alive.

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We’ve picked out the oldest places in Derbyshire and the Peak District where you can still live, visit, and soak up the history in 2025.

Melbourne is a historic town in southern Derbyshire, the home of Melbourne Hall, a stately home with its roots in the 12th century. Near the Hall is the parish church of St Michael and St Mary, a superb Norman building that has been described as a cathedral in miniature. The Domesday Book contains entries for several places named Melbourne in England, including a settlement in Derbyshire and one in Yorkshire, which was a large town. The Derbyshire Melbourne, recorded as "Mileburne" or mill by the stream, was a royal manor and held a population of about 3.9 households in 1086.

9. Melbourne Derbyshire

Melbourne is a historic town in southern Derbyshire, the home of Melbourne Hall, a stately home with its roots in the 12th century. Near the Hall is the parish church of St Michael and St Mary, a superb Norman building that has been described as a cathedral in miniature. The Domesday Book contains entries for several places named Melbourne in England, including a settlement in Derbyshire and one in Yorkshire, which was a large town. The Derbyshire Melbourne, recorded as "Mileburne" or mill by the stream, was a royal manor and held a population of about 3.9 households in 1086. | Google

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