Eyam

Eyam is a village not to be missed on your tour of the Peak District.

Immortalized for ever by the tragic events of 1665/6, the ‘Plague Village’ as it is often referred to, is now famous around the world. The sad story began with a bundle of material being delivered to the village from London for a travelling tailor named George Viccars. Hidden in the cloth were a multitude of bubonic plague germs carried by fleas from rats which went on to infect the village folk resulting in the deaths of 267 people. However, what made Eyam so special and different from anywhere else that suffered during the Great Plague was the fact that the village isolated and cut itself off from the rest of Derbyshire in a selfless sacrifice and heroic act which spared many lives and a possible catastrophic spread which would have been far more serious.

The village of Eyam has had a rich and varied history over the centuries which is interestingly portrayed and explained in Eyam Museum (open Tuesday to Sunday from Easter – October 10.00am until 4.30pm 01433 631371). However, just to walk around the village can provide visitors with a history lesson and insight into the fascinating past – there are ‘plague cottages’ with information plaques, a wonderful 17th century Hall, craft shops and tea-room, St Lawrence’s Church which contains many interesting features and references as well as a fine example of a Celtic cross in the churchyard.

Eyam is a large village containing a wealth of properties displaying a variety of architectural features created over several centuries which include character cottages and individual unique houses. Lead mining was an important economical and environmental influence on the village with much evidence to be found in disused mine workings in the area. An indication of the most profitable mining years of the 18th and 19th centuries can be seen in the properties which date back to that era.

A short walk away from the village will take you to further interesting places including Mompesson’s Well which is situated high above the village on the edge of Eyam Moor. Named after William Mompesson, the Rector of Eyam during the plague years, this is where provisions were left for villagers so that they did not have to come in contact with outsiders. Plague graves can be found at various sites including the Taylor Graves, Riley Graves and Lydgate Graves.

Eyam Moor has some fabulous paths with far reaching views over the hills of the Dark Peak region to the north as well as down into the depths of Abney Clough and Bretton Clough, tucked away areas of outstanding beauty.

After learning all about Eyam’s historic past, you will see that the village is now healthy and happy with a thriving community spirit. Every year in late August/early September, Eyam comes alive with a week of entertainment, events and festivities. During Wakes Week the village celebrates the Derbyshire tradition of Well Dressing and has a carnival as well as various musical productions, races, quizzes and a sheep roast.