The village of Eyam is best known for the devastating plague outbreak of 1665-1666.
The disease - likely carried in a flea-infested bundle of cloth from London - arrived in the village, prompting an extraordinary act of self-sacrifice.
Under the leadership of Reverend William Mompesson and Thomas Stanley, the villagers voluntarily quarantined themselves to prevent the plague from spreading to nearby communities.
This decision came at a terrible cost. More than 250 residents died, but their sacrifice likely saved thousands beyond Eyam.
Historians estimate the village’s pre-outbreak population at 350 to 800.
Dr. Michael Sweet, a wildlife disease specialist at the University of Derby, noted the quarantine’s remarkable success.
By eliminating human-to-human contact with outsiders, the villagers likely prevented a much larger catastrophe.
Today, Eyam is a thriving, close-knit community that embraces its history.
Visitors can explore the Eyam Museum and key sites like the plague cottages, Mompesson’s Well (where supplies were exchanged without breaking quarantine) and the Riley Graves, where Elizabeth Hancock buried her family.
Beyond its tragic past, Eyam offers stunning countryside walks and a charming village atmosphere, making it a fascinating destination for history lovers.
Here are a few photos of the village.
17. The Riley graves
The Riley graves are found in a field next to Riley Lane just outside of the village. The collection of headstones mark the resting place of the Hancock family who were each killed by the plague over a 12 day period in August 1966. They were buried together outside of the village to prevent further spread of the disease from their bodies which still carried the infection. | Google