The Story of the Plague (Eyam Village (Derbyshire))

Member Name: johanna18

Product:	Eyam Village (Derbyshire)
Date:	29/03/09 (139 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: super history

Disadvantages: none

Overview
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Eyam is a small village in Derbyshire well worth a visit. The quiet village of Eyam has a fascinating, yet tragic story to tell...

History
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The plague arrived at the house of the village tailor George Vicars, via a parcel of cloth from London. The cloth was damp and was hung out in front of the fire to dry, thus releasing the plague infested fleas. On 7th September 1665, George Vicars, the first plague victim died of a raging fever. As the plague raged it was decided to hold the church services outdoors at nearby Cucklett Delf and, on the advice of rector William Mompesson and the previous incumbent Thomas Stanley villagers stayed within the village to minimize the spread of the disease. Cucklett Delf was also the secret meeting place of lovers Emmott Sydall, from Eyam, and Rowland Torre who was from a neighbouring village. They would call to each other across the rocks until Emmott Sydall herself became a victim of the plague. Six of the eight Sydall family died and their neighbours lost nine family members.

Things to do
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Eyam village has lots of houses with plaques on telling you about its unfortunate previous occupants.
The village church has a wealth of information about the plague and some original documents.
There are a number of nice tea rooms for drinks, ice creams and snacks.
A few local shops sell general items and tourist mementos.
There are also lots of lovely walks to go on which start in the village.

Overall
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Eyam is a beautiful place to visit for the whole family. Children and adults alike will be facinated by the story of the plague. There is enough to do here for a weekend so take advantage of the local guesthouses or campsites.
I love Eyam and visit approx once per year - i never get bored of looking at the houses and church. We also always find a different walk to do each time.

Summary: a facinating story