Eyam (Plague Village)
Eyam
The 'plague village' that quarantined itself in 1665 to stop the spread of plague, with a list of the dead written on the doors of houses.
Eyam lies about 8 km north of Bakewell. In 1665, a bundle of cloth from London brought plague to the village. Led by the rector, William Mompesson, the villagers decided to isolate themselves. Over 14 months, around 260 people died, but the outbreak was prevented from spreading to the surrounding area. Today, the 'Plague Cottages' still display lists of the dead at their doors. St Lawrence's Church has a memorial window and an 8th-century Saxon cross. Eyam Museum tells the full story of this period (open March to November, about £5). You can also visit the 17th-century Eyam Hall. Outside the village, the 'Boundary Stone' marks where villagers left money in exchange for food.
Opening hours
Village open all day; museum approx. 10:00–16:30
Nearby sights
- Padley Gorge
- Bakewell
- Monsal Head & Monsal Trail
- Stanage Edge
- Chatsworth House
- Haddon Hall
- Ladybower Reservoir
- Castleton