Eyam - the 'Plague Village'.

 This is obviously a very worrying time for most of us, as Covid 19 still has it's grip on the world.  I don't want to make this a post about Covid 19, but it has brought to mind the village of Eyam, known as 'the plague village'.   I learned of this true story as a child, and the courage of the villagers, caught up in Bubonic Plague in 1665, I've never forgotten.  It was only last year that I was able to visit the village.  Rather than me tell the story, check out the official website of the Eyam museum.  Here's the link - Eyam Museum .

It all started with a bolt of cloth sent from London........and the tailor George Viccars unwittingly placing the damp cloth in front of a fire to dry out.  The diseased fleas in the cloth were roused and George became the first victim.

The unique weather vane in the Eyan Museum and Visitor Centre

The Church at Eyam.  Absolutely stunning inside with  stained glass windows telling the story of Eyam.  The vicar William Mompesson took charge of the situation and persuaded the villagers to stay.

Rose cottage, where the plague started at Eyam.  There are several cottages, each with a plaque telling the story of former villagers in Eyam.  They are all beautifully kept.

William Mompesson's wife died and is the only plague victim buried in the church yard.  Other victims were buried outside the village.

The house of the Hawksworth family.

These links are also worth a look - BBC Village of the Damned

BBC - what the plague village of Eyam can teach us about Covid

If you ever get the chance to visit Eyam, GO!  It's well worth a visit and the villagers story is inspiring.