Wednesday Walk Around the Plague Village of Eyam

I made a return trip to one of my favourite villages, Eyam in my home county of Derbyshire. I've visited Eyam many times. I think this time with the coronavirus, it is more apt. In 1665, Eyam fell victim to the bubonic plague when George Viccars, the local tailor ordered a piece of cloth from London. Unfortunately, the cloth was riddled with fleas which started the spread of the bubonic plague in the village. The rector of the parish, William Mompesson suggested that the villagers isolate from neighbouring villages to try and stop the spread of the disease. Food was left at the village well. Sadly, many of the villagers died including George Viccars and the Rector's wife, Catherine Mompesson.

I first visited the Hancock family graves, which are buried on Riley Hill and surrounded by a stone wall. Elizabeth Hancock, had to bury her husband and 6 children all by herself, but somehow managed to survive the disease.

I never tire of visiting the graves and still cannot believe Elizabeth's emotional and physical strength, in having to bury her entire family.

The churchyard was banned during the plague, so sadly, people wasn't allowed bury their dead. Like Elizabeth Hancock, everyone had to bury their families by themselves. The Lydgate graves are where members of the Darby family were buried after falling victim to the plague. We found the graves up a side street next to the houses. Two small gravestones are dedicated to Mary and her father George Darby.

I then walked to see the plague cottages which have signs in their front gardens, with information about the plague. Rose Cottage is where the Thorpe family lived. Sadly, all nine family members died.

There is a stained glass window in the village church of St Lawrence that tells the story of the onset of the plague. After 1666, after isolated outbreaks, finally there were no further epidemics of the plague in England.

And then came Covid 19!

A sad but fascinating visit.

#wednesdaywalk initiated by @tattoodjay.

Photos by @ellenripley - Julie S. All rights reserved.