The historic Derbyshire village has become a popular spot for visitors in recent years, with people describing it as a ‘hidden gem’ – but it’s hiding a dark history
‘Plague village’ where lovers met at boundary of lockdown to avoid Black Death(Image: Getty Images)
Tucked away in the Derbyshire countryside lies a charming village, rich in history and hailed by visitors as a true “hidden gem”. However, this idyllic spot conceals a much darker past.
During the tumultuous times of the Great Plague in the 1600s, when the entire nation was in turmoil, the villagers of Eyam chose to defy convention.
As people across Britain were abandoning their homes in a desperate bid to evade infection, the arrival of the plague in Eyam in August 1665 prompted the villagers to do the exact opposite – they resolved to stay put.
It’s believed the disease got into the village via a parcel of cloth sent from London to a local tailor. The tailor’s assistant succumbed to the illness just days after airing the damp cloth, triggering a rapid spread of the disease throughout the village.
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In a collective act of self-sacrifice, the villagers opted for voluntary quarantine, reasoning that fleeing would only propagate the plague further afield.
The rules were stringent – no one was permitted to leave or enter the village, a harsh regime that persisted for an arduous 14 months.
Despite these measures, the village suffered a devastating loss of approximately 260 lives, decimating a significant portion of its population. Tragically, it’s said that one villager was forced to bury six of her children and her husband in just eight days
Eyam Museum serves as an ideal starting point for visitors keen to delve into the village’s poignant history during those dark days. The area is dotted with sites that tell compelling tales of the plague and its devastating impact.
One recent visitor hailed the place as a “hidden gem”. Another shared their experience on TripAdvisor, saying: “Really enjoyed our visit to the Eyam Museum. Staff were welcoming and friendly.
“Despite its compact size, the museum offers plenty to see; a diverse range of visual displays about the Plague and also the history of Eyam’s residents. We’d certainly recommend a visit.”
Another visitor added, writing: “This museum was really interesting – much better than expected from a small museum! The history is fascinating and very well laid out – they manage to bring it to life by the stories of the individuals and families who both survived and died.”
Also nestled within the village is Eyam Hall and Courtyard, a 17th-century manor house complete with stunning gardens and Bloom Bar and Grill for shopping and dining.
One visitor shared: “A beautiful venue for a wedding! Such a gorgeous, peaceful village with stunning surroundings and grounds. This made for an incredibly memorable evening.”
Following a visit to the on-site café, another visitor shared their experience: “We dropped into Bloom looking for a light lunch. We settled for a coffee and a Margarita pizza, which definitely exceeded expectations – my friend said it was the best pizza she had ever tasted. Service was attentive, and the ambiance was calm and peaceful.”