When the PLAGUE came to town in 1665 | Eyam, the original lockdown | how 1 village fought the plague

This is the TRAGIC AND REMARKABLE story of what happened in the village of Eyam, England, when the plague came to town in 1665 and how the villagers (led by their minister, William Mompesson and former minister Thomas Stanley), instituted the original lockdown, complete with what we would now call social distancing, in order to stem the tide of deaths and protect their neighbours from infection. The tale of how one village fought the Great Plague of 1665, supposedly brought in from London in a bundle of cloth has become legendary and many of the buildings and other locations familiar to those alive in the seventeenth century are still in existence today, including Mompesson’s Well, where the villagers supposedly left money for outsiders to pay for food, Cucklet church (an outdoor area where services were held when gatherings in the real church were felt to be too dangerous), the so-called plague cottages where many victims lived and died and the graveyard at Eyam Church, where they were often buried, their tombs still visible to modern viewers. As well at looking at the story of Eyam, this documentary from History Calling will also answer questions including what was the plague, what caused the plague, what were the symptoms of the plague which made it so deadly and horrific and how was the plague stopped, not just in this sleepy English village, but more generally?
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LEARN MORE:
Eyam Museum, www.eyam-museum.org.uk/
Lilith K. Whittles and Xavier Didelot, ‘Epidemiological analysis of the Eyam plague outbreak of 1665-1666’ in Proceedings: Biological Sciences, vol. 283, no. 1830 (2016), pp 1-9. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27170...
Patrick Wallis, ‘A Dreadful Heritage: Interpreting Epidemic Disease at Eyam, 1666-200’ in History Workshop Journal, No. 61 (2006), pp 31-56. academic.oup.com/hwj/article-...
THUMBNAIL: photo of Catherine Mompesson’s tomb my own. All rights reserved. A physician wearing a 17th century plague preventive: Wellcome Collection. Public Domain Mark
NB: Links above may be affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission. It in no way affects the price you pay.
Creative Commons licenses used see creativecommons.org/licenses/

[@HistoryCalling]

What you think of the Eyam villagers’ reaction to the plague? Let me know below and check out my PATREON site for extra perks at www.patreon.com/historycalling Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE too.

[@katyp.2495]

I think regardless of who it was who had the foresight to tell the villagers to remain in Eyam, and to prevent the plague from spreading elsewhere, was very clever. Usually these things were seen as a sentence from God for their sins, with the local priest preaching fire and brimstone. They all seemed to show enough good judgement to know, that remaining in their village would eventually save many lives.

[@barbaratg5230]

EDIT. Forgot to mention this doctor was based in San Fransisco.

[@kathryneast6919]

I want to go there

[@ItsJustLisa]

It seems the leaders of Eyam had more sense than some people today, including the sense of responsibility to keep the plague from spreading beyond their village.

[@JoeMaranophotography]

@@ItsJustLisa Yeah but people actually dropped down dead rather than had a mild cold.

[@keiththorpe9571]

Back in 2000, a team of researchers went to Eyam. Their goal was to try and identify a possible genetic source for the apparent resistance of so many of the villagers of Eyam during the 1665-66 outbreak. They found that a statistically significant number of the modern-day villagers who were descendants of the plague survivors carried a gene mutation called CCR5-Delta 32. This gene sequence/mutation affords the carrier a natural immunity to various bacterial and viral infections, including Y-Pestis and HIV. Further study has shone that this gene mutation first began in the European population back in the 14th Century, at the time of the first major outbreak of The Black Plague.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, it seems like genetics probably played a role in the survival of at least some people, though annoyingly (because I'd love to know how this happened) it can't account on its own for the sudden drop off in plague epidemics in England after 1666. It's one of history's little mysteries :-)

[@sarah3796]

😲😲

[@keiththorpe9571]

@@HistoryCalling Yeah, there's been a few theories put forward about that. Some have said that it might even have been a mutation in the Y- Pestis bacterium itself, reducing its virulency and transmissibility. Some have even put that theory forward to explain why The Sweating Sickness seemed to disappear after the Tudor period as well. We still don't know what bacteria or virus caused that illness. I'm writing a novel right now, sort of a Jane Austen/Mary Shelley fanfic mashup, set in the Regency period at a fictional manor house outside the village of Eyam.

[@RHR-221b]

@@keiththorpe9571 Stay free, K. R 🎯 🍻 😎 🌠

[@yef122]

PBS did a "Secrets of the Dead" episode on this very topic. So interesting.

[@reneeinla2.0]

I visited this town on my last trip to England! They have a nice little museum all about how they dealt with the plague. The whole area is worth visiting.

[@HistoryCalling]

I've been there too! :-) It is a really nice little museum (though some of the bits in it, like the story about the girl surviving by eating bacon fat, aren't true). The whole village is beautiful. It's tragic to think about what happened there.

[@ruthe71]

Have you read the book Year Of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks. It’s based on the people living in Eyam at the time.

[@MrsJHarrington]

I would love to go! Greetings from Saratoga Springs, New York USA 🇺🇸!!!

[@debbiewynne8108]

I grew up in that area and found the plague story fascinating. The Riley graves where the mother buried her entire family and the Rector who held outdoor services but his wife was one of the last plague victims. Well Dressing came about as their way of thanking the wells as the villages left money in the water in return for necessary goods bought and left outside the village by neighbouring villages.

[@modelrailwaynoob]

I live in Derbyshire :)

[@cmcg9035]

We recently visited Eyam for the 1st time this May. It was our 1st airline journey since the covid pandemic started. We wore our masks everywhere indoors and avoided crowds outdoors. Eyam is an emotional place to be during our own pandemic. It's nestled in the hills. We gave thanks to the villagers whose isolation may have saved my husband's family from being wiped out.

[@barbaratg5230]

I remember watching a programme many years ago in the Late 80's or early 90's about a doctor who was treating people with Aids. He could not understand why some people with HIV developed full blown Aifs while others in the same risk group did not. He discovered that most of the survivors were Americans of European ancestry and carried the same extra gene as their ancestors who survived the plague. I wish more Tv channels would show programmes about historic plagues etc to teach the people of today.

[@HistoryCalling]

I haven't seen that one, but it sounds fascinating.

[@robertdudley4017]

A very interesting story of this village, they paid a high price for keeping a lockdown in place, but it saved thousands of other people in other towns and villages,thank you HC for this historical gem. 😊

[@HistoryCalling]

You're welcome. I wonder if they'd had modern transport available though if their lockdown would have been as successful, especially once the bodies starting piling up ...?

[@robertdudley4017]

@@HistoryCalling that's an interesting point HC if they had modern transport probaly not it would of spread like wild fire I expect. 😊

[@HistoryCalling]

I think so too. We only have to look at how fast the current illness (YT doesn't like it apparently if you say or write the name of it) went all around the world.

[@robertdudley4017]

@@HistoryCalling Totaly agree HC, and you have to stay in YT guide lines😊

[@naomiskilling1093]

I imagine that the decision to cut off the town could not have been an easy one especially with the dead piling up. With this pandemic, I think some people could have used the lesson but unfortuantely people seem to forget the lessons of the past even as recently as the 1918 flu. It gives you something to think about anyways considering the times we're currently living through.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I thought this topic was particularly relevant to the current situation in the world (though I wasn't sure if that would make it more or less popular with viewers).

[@ItsJustLisa]

Those were my thoughts exactly.

[@ItsJustLisa]

@@HistoryCalling, any viewers who would be offended by this video would likely be so because they wouldn’t like recognizing themselves as the jerks of today as opposed to being compared to those willing to sacrifice like the villagers of 1665/66.

[@Veronica-rt3mi]

This is especially sad to see now in light of the invasion of Ukraine. No fault of the Ukrainian people or majority of Russian people for that matter either but still we repeat history as if the outcome would be better :(

[@mariawren771]

Did a school field trip there back in 2005, I was a teaching assistant to the children and I’ve learnt a lot & saw so many graves. Had a walk over one of the field where a mother had buried lot of her children & husband before moving away with her remaining children.

[@HistoryCalling]

It would a great place for a school daytrip. I would imagine kids loving hearing about plagues and just anything a bit gruesome really.

[@JBettz]

I went on a school day trip back in the 80's can't remember to much about it now apart from drawing some grave stones in the church yard that was connected to the Black Death

[@jamestnov41945]

Thanks for this. My Grandfather was a victim of the ealy 20th century flu epidemic. Always good to remember history in all events.

[@HistoryCalling]

Oh that's so sad, making it through WW1 and then succumbing to the flu pandemic. Your poor grandmother too (I'm assuming she was still alive at that point).

[@victoriaburkhardt9974]

Very interesting! Thank you. -- Early summer of 2020, a friend gave me the novel, by Geraldine Brooks, “Year of Wonder” (2001.) I had been so caught up with news of the Covid pandemic that I hadn’t been reading. I started reading this novel and couldn’t put it down. It told of the documented history of Eyam’s heroic, neighbor-loving response to the1666 plague outbreak and also dramatized the story by including the efforts of a woman who visited the sick and survived the Plague. It appears that Ms. Brooks also told the oral history with some well-crafted drama.- Again, thanks for this interesting topic. I appreciate your work.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Victoria. A few people have mentioned that book, both here and on Instagram. I'll have to look it up as I'm not familiar with it.

[@McRambleOn]

“Year of wonder” is one of the best books I’ve ever read. Brooks other novel “people of the book” is also one, and one of my favorites as well. Insanely good reads👍🏻

[@maryann4827]

Yes! I loved "Year of Wonders". The various reactions of the villagers to the plague have a lot of similarities to the reactions of modern people to COVID. A very timely read.

[@michelleeverett1535]

Brilliant book, one of my favourites.

[@historybuff7491]

I think they were very brave, and probably saved a lot of lives in the process. Too bad we can't be as brave a society in the face of another plague.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, there are certainly some people in the world who could learn a lot from their story.

[@brucebean2805]

I first learned of this town by having acquired a book named Eyam some yrs ago. The book told of tailor with the cloth brought from London which caused the deaths. Thanks for video, I shall check to see if I still have the book.

[@jacquipettitt3389]

Fascinating, and still relevant with Covid continuing to mutate and spread. It was really courageous of the people to isolate when they were so ignorant about disease. Such a horrible death too. Thankyou for sharing this.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I thought it bore a lot of similarities to our current situation (though I wasn't sure if that would make the video more or less popular).

[@nicolataylor6011]

Cv is a strain of flu not the bubonic plague for God's sake..🙄

[@jacquipettitt3389]

@@nicolataylor6011 you wouldn't be saying that if one of your family members had died from it, suffocating in their own bodily fluids.

[@danomo675]

Rather covid then the plague lol

[@tstuart7333]

Another epic look into past history. Nice to see that it was detailed and focused on a small village and not the larger bigger towns and cities. Although I had read a little about Eyam I thank you for the little more knowledge gained.

[@HistoryCalling]

You're welcome. Yes, looking at the plague as a whole might have been a bit much for a single video.

[@JustFlyIt09]

Another beautiful job on a very difficult subject. Years ago at university I took a course titled "The History of the Black Death". Nothing had opened my eyes more than that course, it was amazing. I had no idea of the degree that the plague effected economic, social, spiritual, agricultural, and political parts of life of "that day". There's an interesting comparison to be made with the events of the last three years but thank God the percentage of death hasn't been nearly as high (but still horribly tragic).

[@PeterWasted]

I visited Eyam a few years ago after a holiday in the Peak District and was deeply moved by the story. It has a nice little museum but the greatest impact for me was walking through the village, reading the plaques in the plague cottages and imagining what it must have been like at the time. Eyam is geographically isolated and was probably far more self contained than it is now but it can't have been unique. If what they did was anything less than extraordinary there would be other accounts from elsewhere and I am yet to hear any.

[@davidjohnstone432]

Many many years ago the BBC made a play which was show on the TV called THE ROSES OF EYAM , IT MADE QUITE AN IMPRESSION ON ME IVE NEVER FORGOTTEN IT . I was about 12 at the time I'm now 77

[@SK22000]

I’m so glad you covered this, I was just reading about it and wanted to know more. You always go in to great depth when you cover a subject and as always did a wonderful job on this one as well. Thank you!

[@HistoryCalling]

You're welcome and I'm glad to be of help :-)

[@DevilishScience]

I first heard about this 50 years ago (today) when the play Roses of Eyam was broadcast on the BBC. It's available on KZbin. It's a bit dated now but still of interest.

[@cassandraralph5906]

An eye opener on a subject matter that I have always found interesting! Thank you for this most interesting and educational video!

[@delskioffskinov]

Fascinating! thank you i really enjoyed that!

[@HistoryCalling]

You're very welcome :-)

[@joebrouillard565]

Bravo, thank you as always for enlightening our knowledge.

[@HistoryCalling]

You're welcome :-)

[@MarcusAgrippa390]

That was fascinating! Thanks for this sad yet uplifting story of human perseverance.

[@HistoryCalling]

You're welcome. A lot of them did survive, so it's not all doom and gloom, if that helps :-)

[@BeeKool__113]

Always great and informative video.

[@ns-wz1mx]

the damp cloth drying by the fire bit is sooo interesting!! so neat that we’re still learning from things like this in the current days situation. excellent vid 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, it's an interesting little detail. I'd love to know if it really happened that way.

[@ns-wz1mx]

@@HistoryCalling me too!!!

[@davidlancaster6941]

A timely story that has much to teach us in hindsight. I know of this case but not with the details you've unearthed for us. Once again you've divined fact from fiction to our delight and benefit. Great photo accompaniment. Another great Friday. Thanks for all you do. Lvya much. Shalom

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. I thought it was pertinent to our current situation too. Have a lovely weekend.

[@xSmartassxChibix]

This was super interesting, especially considering our modern-day plague and the drastically different responses to lockdowns we see today

[@grahamturner1290]

An example to us all. And greetings from Derby.

[@lexiburrows8127]

Is that you again Gremlin?

[@grahamturner1290]

@@lexiburrows8127 hey sweetheart, yes indeed. All OK with you?

[@nuotatorre8741]

9:04 I've watched a documentary where the granchild of this woman Was interviewd, and in the documentary they propose the teaory than she Was able to servive the plauge because she had some sort of immunity on a genetic level

[@HistoryCalling]

I actually read an interview with her too :-)

[@CassiBlack]

I’ve always had a morbid curiosity about Plague and how it was handled. Actually, for historic medicine in general. I rely heavily on modern medicine so I can’t imagine what it was like for people like me in the past. Anyway, I’ve only heard the briefest of mentions of a town in England that quarantined so this was really interesting! My history degree is with a focus on medieval Europe, so my classes really only discussed the original Black Death outbreak. Thanks for the enlightenment and I’m looking forward to your next video!

[@pheart2381]

I dont think your curiosity morbid. We cant learn from the future,but we can learn from the past. And their approach to illness was so different! Tincture of human skull was thought a cure for example. Some medieval herb cures based on the physical appearance of the plant itself have actually been found to be genuinely helpful by modern science.

[@HistoryCalling]

I briefly debated a video on the Black Death actually, but it's such a vast subject that it put me off a bit. I thought I might be biting off more than I could chew for a weekly YT video :-)

[@CassiBlack]

I agree, the Black Death would be way too complicated to put into one video. It would almost definitely have to be a multipart series.

[@katjack2780]

I had a vague idea of this plague story but hearing the details reminded me of an eerie parallel incident in our very own "plague." I remember reading the account of one of the first COVID cases in New York in early 2020. A man from New Rochelle became ill and went to various doctors until he was finally diagnosed as a COVID case,. The man's wife and children became ill, as did the friend who drove him to the hospital as well as his family. When it was found that the man had recently been attending events at his local synagogue, a drastic measure was taken to make a "containment zone" around a radius of the synagogue. No one within the zone could go out and no one from outside could go in. The National Guard was called in to help clean and provide food. Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose:)

[@HistoryCalling]

I hadn't heard about that story in NY, but yes, the parallels are indeed eerie and you're quite right, things often don't change much. There's an historical parallel for almost everything I think , if you know where/when to look.

[@krasivaya3780]

Thank you that was a very informative.

[@HistoryCalling]

You're very welcome :-)

[@charlesmaximus9161]

Didn’t know much about Eyam’s experience during the 1665/66 plague. 37% of the population dead…incredible. I find it especially fascinating that, at the time, so many people figured the Great Fire was responsible for killing it off; when in reality, the epidemic had mostly waned shortly beforehand. Tell me, do you know if Pepys talks about Eyam at all in his diaries? I have a copy of his diaries, but I haven’t read through it in ages. I would love if you did more 17th and 18th century episodes, as these are my absolute favourite periods. If you like disease/epidemic history, I recommend you check out “Pox Americana: The Great Smallpox Epidemic of 1775-82” by Elizabeth Fenn. Fantastic book about the smallpox epidemic during that pesky little temper tantrum we had over here called the “American Revolution”. 😉 It devastated both sides, though, that wasn’t the worst part of it; they endured the perils of a colonial civil war (which it most certainly was) and the ghastliness of the pox whilst also dealing with a particularly nasty reoccurring dysentery epidemic that ravaged many of its leading figures, namely the Adams family of Massachusetts. John Adams’ own brother, Elihu Adams, succumbed to it during the Siege of Boston. I actually live just a stone’s throw from his grave.

[@HistoryCalling]

I don't know if he mentioned Eyam in his diaries I'm afraid, but they're all digitised and online, so you should be able to run a check very easily (or look at the index in your hard copy). I'd love more 17th and 18th century history too. It's just getting other viewers to watch it as well - on the whole they're very tightly wedded to the 15th and 16th centuries.

[@dixiefallas7799]

Thank you.

[@HistoryCalling]

You're welcome :-)

[@theenigmaticgamer]

Thank you once again for a fascinating video. It is incredible to think how the poor people of Eyam suffered as they did and yet had the courage to quarantine themselves for the greater good. There were probably those who disagreed, but the results of the action speak for themselves. Contrast their selflessness with those of today who, in the light of our pandemic, think only of themselves and their “freedoms”.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, they were incredible. On the subject of some disagreeing, I have to wonder if their lockdown would have been as successful if more of them had had the option and ability to leave and somewhere else to go, but that doesn't take away from the sacrifice they made.

[@christinetitus6388]

Another interesting video. Thank you for sharing this account with us. I think it was very decent and considerate of them to lockdown. What a horrible way to die and It must have been very devastating for them to them to see just how many died in front of their very eyes. At least they are not feeling any pain anymore and resting in peace now.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, it must have been awful, especially as so many died in their homes with their families. It was an incredible sacrifice (though part of me thinks their lockdown was successful because so many didn't have the option to leave as well).

[@stephencarrillo5905]

Thank you, HC. A timely and fascinating glimpse into a period of tragedy made more frightful by a lack of medical science and research. Food for thought and a valuable perspective on the current situation. Eyam looks like a beautiful place; visiting it must have been a great experience for you. I'm an unapologetic carnivore, but the bacon fat remedy seems over the top, even for me. Until next week, be well.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. Eyam is gorgeous. I've been twice, though as you can kind of tell from some of the photos that come from me (especially the one of the well) it was pouring with rain on one of the days, despite being the height of summer (but that's the UK for you!) I'm not sure I believe the fat story. It's a great tale though.

[@SuzanneU]

Thank you. That was very interesting.

[@HistoryCalling]

You're very welcome :-)

[@Kari_B61ex]

Very relevant during our Covid pandemic times. I've often wondered how our pandemic years 2019 - 2021 will be documented. We have the internet and 'modern' technology - but what will that be in another 350 years time. Will our digital documentation of events be like parchment and ink to future generations.

[@HistoryCalling]

I think historians will be looking at the Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc archives, especially as so much of that material is open to the public and not subject to the kind of 100 year closures that a lot of governmental records (like census returns) are.

[@anitaevans2432]

2019 - 2022. Sadly we are not yet at the end of this pandemic.

[@HistoryCalling]

We're getting there though, thank goodness :-)

[@LadyCheshire95]

I went on a uni trip but the village is about 40 minute drive from my house. Honestly the only way they could have gotten the plague was through trade. The village is so remote and surrounded by country side. It could have easily never bothered them. BBC ghosts took inspiration, when they has a villager return with cloth from london after a trip.

[@wellingtonsboots4074]

Thank you History Calling enjoyed this. The parallels of history. Lockdown is a bit too fresh in the mind. But just trying to imagine what it must have been like for a small village in the 17th century.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I thought this one would be pertinent given the current state of the world.

[@emilyjayne5753]

A Northern Irish historian led channel? Yes pleaseee 🤩

[@amymahers2957]

Once again a masterful job. There are so many roads to go down with this story. The genetic mutation one has also been found in partners of HIV positive people. I believe scientists are researching that avenue now. I so look forward to HC Fridays. Always interesting, informative and intelligent. Well done.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Amy. Yes DNA analysis of the plague and its victims and survivors (and their descendants) is a fascinating avenue of research into it.

[@damouretdelaine5311]

I love your content!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you :-)

[@TexasPelican]

Fascinating. Wow.

[@HistoryCalling]

I know. It's a heck of a story.

[@vernon2542]

Great information and very interesting.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Vernon :-)

[@SteTrax]

I thought your analysis of this was extremely thorough and fair. Although we have conjecture of the origin of the infection, you chose not to give it too much weight. I really appreciate that. You did a great job of explaining the suffrage in the village of Eyam. Having been there it is quite emotional. I may be a little bit biased because your accent and dialect does make for real 'easy liatening''. Keep up the good work - I really enjoyed this. .

[@Moebian73]

Another great video from my favorite Irish lass. :)

[@HistoryCalling]

Many thanks :-)

[@RubyBlueUwU]

I grew up in Derbyshire, I can’t believe I’d never heard about this! Thank you for enlightening me

[@HistoryCalling]

You're very welcome. That's a beautiful spot to grow up in too.

[@donnicholas7552]

Very interesting! I did not know about this.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you :-)

[@jeanproctor3663]

Eyam is such a beautiful village and not too far from where I live in Sheffield (a tram and a train journey). Rev. Mompesson was a very brave man to have been able to persuade the majority of his parishioners to stay within the confines of the village borders - I wonder if the gentry that wouldn't stay were responsible for passing on the disease to any of the places they fled to? A common story was that supplies were left at the well and the money for them was left in vinegar to in effect act as a bactericide. This is a really good and very interesting telling of the Eyam plague story, thank you for your video.

[@HistoryCalling]

It is indeed very beautiful. Mompesson's letters about the loss of his wife are terribly sad. I'm glad he got to move on and have another marriage and other children. He really lost a lot in Eyam (as did the other people there too of course).

[@conniesturt9824]

There are a number of "plague villages" in Sussex. One of these is Hamsey. The only remnants of a once thriving village is the church, a few cottages and a farm. I read somewhere that during the time of the Black Death the villagers built a barrier all around the village to stop movement in or out. Unfortunately the bi product was that they starved to death instead.

[@christinamadden3038]

Well done.

[@rickjensen2717]

Very interesting and well researched 👍 - you really do have a lovely narrative voice 🌝!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you kindly :-)

[@kl6772]

Been going there since I was 12,love this little place and its history Revered Mompessons son who survived became vicar of Sprotbrough church near me in Doncaster

[@HistoryCalling]

It's certainly a beautiful part of the world.

[@nattyco]

The understanding of public health measures at the time is quite amazing considering they would not have known the cause of Plague.

[@shibbymiyah6614]

Very interesting

[@irisdonnie1405]

Very interesting video, can’t imagine what it must be like to lose 1/3 of your population…

[@HistoryCalling]

I know. The mortality rate was absolutely appalling. Obviously the world's current situation is terrible too, but when you see death rates like those caused by the plague, it shows how much worse things could be with a more severe disease and no modern medicine. Very sobering stuff.

[@marcdodd7632]

It would be like loosing 22 million of the modern UK population it would be devastating

[@Bus_Driver_Jay]

This is why you need a patron and upcoming videos! I was there last week with a school group! I could have got you pictures!

[@HistoryCalling]

Haha, thank you. It's okay though. I've been there twice myself so I had quite a lot of pics to work with. I've debated Patreon, but it would take too much work to create additional content for it. Maybe I'll figure something out in the future though.

[@Bus_Driver_Jay]

@@HistoryCalling Ah no need to do extra. A quick 'Possible plans' works just as well, or vids a day early?

[@jimg9820]

Nice video. Back in March 2020, when it was looking very likely that the UK would be entering lockdown, I organised what turned out to be the last walk for several months for our walking group. I chose to start it from Eyam. Thankfully we didn't suffer the same level of casulties they did back in 1666.

[@ElizabethXVIII]

I mean we’ve suffered more deaths than the London plague in 1666 did, around 75k died then and from yesterday there has been 162k deaths from covid in the uk - 6 million worldwide

[@grahamturner1290]

The 1970s BBC TV play "Roses Of Eyam", available on KZbin, is well worth a watch.

[@Atm0111]

I remember this village from a documentary, had no clue that u can visit it, wld love to see it 😍

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, it's a beautiful little place in a beautiful spot in the world. Do go if you ever get the chance. IT's sad of course, but fascinating.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

I recall a tv play back in the '70s called The Roses Of Eyam. I remember almost nothing of it other than that it was incredibly moving.

[@Joe-gg4nq]

Been to this place, nice little town

[@EmilyCheetham]

Very interesting. In other things shows on the plague Iv watched Id not heard about this town before. Thanks for the info. I expect it was a series of things that finally stopped the plague in uk. From the things you mentions (immunity, cleanliness, better drainage systems) but also as some speculate the great fire 🔥 all combined.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I don't think it was one thing either.

[@imcomingforyou.3245]

Love this account

[@cindylewis3325]

I so enjoyed this video. When I was corresponding with people in Europe at the beginning of the pandemic I was shocked at the # of people who seemed to know nothing about pandemics in history. This one wasn’t the first and won’t be the last. I believe this parish believed they were doing the correct thing by locking down. As in my State of Vermont our Governor locked us down in the beginning and we were in lockdown for over 12 months, opening in late June 2021 with a 73% vaccination rate of both doses. Our death rate during the pandemic is 595 people. We took the pandemic seriously, did not have the facilities to take on major infections so as a community we decided to go along with the Governors request. It’s been a telling situation here in the US, the differences in States, their thought processes towards this pandemic. I grew up in Florida, moving to Vermont in the 90s. Florida being one of the worst states for masking & deaths, supposedly because of an individuals freedoms. But to that argument I say this, as a person, who understands the seriousness of this disease, is the person who refuses to mask, social distance etc, infringing on my freedom in not getting a deadly disease because this person refuses to mask or think of anyone but themselves. Also to this thought, I say, to all health care workers who have worked so hard to care for the dying, also getting this disease themselves, It is no wonder they are burned out by watching people die when they didn’t have to, that many of them got the disease and are now dealing with the after effects. My hat is off to them for taking care of those that survived & those that died. I hope in this video you might get more folks watching. History is learning not to make the same mistakes over & over again.

[@GrrMeister]

*LOCKDOWNS DO NOT WORK - MSM Indoctrinated !*

[@sheilawhite7044]

About 50 years ago, I visited Eyam. It was moving to read the chronology on the plaques and imagine the speed of the disease as it killed whole families in a matter of weeks. I also recall the monument in the churchyard. There was a revival of interest due to a televised play of the event. I wonder if anyone out there remembers this. Thank you for reminding me of those brave villagers of Eyam.

[@theenigmaticgamer]

I remember the play. I think it was on BBC. I also seem to recall one of the characters amusingly talking of keeping people out by using “dogs with big teeth” the only light relief in a tragic tale.

[@sheilawhite7044]

@@theenigmaticgamer Thank you for sharing that memory.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, the plaques are very sad, as is Catherine's tomb in the churchyard (the one on the thumbnail). I haven't seen that play myself.

[@KellyBurnett138]

I’ve often wondered what would be worse…living through the initial plague years (1346-1362) and not know what is happening. Or to live through it at this time and know something about the Black Death and what to expect….?

[@HistoryCalling]

I think the death rate was even worse for the BD, so I'd opt for 1665-6 myself.

[@tilly1469]

I live close by to here. On Bonfire Night, there is a huge rat made out of willow that it made and carried around the village with a large procession behind it with people carrying torches. Then when we get to the bonfire, the rat is chucked onto the lit bonfire with everyone chanting 'BURN THE RAT!' Then, afterwards there are fireworks that are set off. All in all, its very weird but great fun!

[@siomhe8539]

I find it fascinating that you found out the name of the bacteria in 2016. It was endemic to my area of the US in 1999 when I took microbiology for my nursing degree and was widely considered to be responsible for most of the plague outbreaks in Western Europe. And is still endemic in the prairie dog population in the southwest US so…realize if you come here…most of the wildlife is trying to kill you

[@eveoakley6270]

We visited here for the first time last June 2021 even though we live only a few hours away. It was fascinating, and I think the villagers tried their best to stop this plaque. I imagine it was a lot easier to lock people down in those days.

[@DiddlyPenguin]

Very interesting video. I had heard of the village putting itself into quarantine. Good idea & it seemed to work too. How about an episode about the Irish potato famine ?

[@HistoryCalling]

I've considered that actually, but it's a pretty vast topic and obviously a little close to home for me as it will definitely have affected some of my ancestors. I'm thinking about it though.

[@DiddlyPenguin]

@@HistoryCalling and mine. I’m a Dublin girl 😁

[@rosaleerich2090]

This is very interesting, maybe because of our own pandemic, covid. I wonder if the dirt where the dead were buried, was effected? Thank you for all your research & energy & resources to bring this to us. God bless you and yours ✝️🇬🇷🙏🌹

[@od1452]

Thanks. I find the Plague stories interesting. I remember ( Not too well the details though) seeing a british program on a small kind of isolated village or nearby settlements that survived two ( I think) attacks of the plague. Because some relatives still lived in the villages , genetic testing was done. It seems some people have a better resistance to the infection than others. I wish I remembered the Villages ' names..

[@HistoryCalling]

That might have been Eyam actually, though I don't recall it having suffered 2 outbreaks, so perhaps I'm wrong.

[@od1452]

@@HistoryCalling Actually ,I think you are correct. Regardless , it was an interesting video.

[@stuartsimister5042]

Visited a few times over the years its a nice village.

[@marshaprice8226]

The people of Eyam had more common sense and care for others than many today who are only concerned about their “rights” and what they want to do and don’t care at all about how they affect others.

[@sarahmarshall3360]

I have just tried their black Gin! A batch of 50 a year and it's really good!

[@dawnmason9558]

We went on a school trip to Eyam & put our teacher in the stocks. There were no plaques outside the cottages that I can remember. I think we went to Chatsworth too ,or maybe the Blue John mines.

[@lumia57]

My Late Mum was a Froggett from the Village Anstresty we used to go to every year Eyam they also have a Well Dressing festival every year too ...also a young couple a girl from the Village and a boy from the nearby village were both able to survive and the other Village didn't have the Plague thankfully 💜🙏💜

[@HistoryCalling]

Beautiful part of the world to be from :-)

[@briancooper562]

As a descendant of one of the Eyam families, Outram, and a family from nearby Leam, Cooper I can confirm we have all have resistance to plague, the Spanish flu, HIV/AIDs, Corvid. That is none of the descendants has died from these ailments. However somewhere in the lineage, from before the plague we gained the gene which causes dupuytren's contracture. So we have ancestors from the 'Viking' era and countries.

[@peterwilliamson7442]

I was traveling down that road towards Manchester about 15 years ago I was on my way towards Manchester Airport it must have been about7am just breaking dawn when I reached the Eyam junction with the main road I had to break sharply as in the road in front of me I was confrounted by a flock of at least 70 to 80 Magpies ??

[@navileblond9981]

Just the date alone is food for the brain specially with the great fire of London.

[@AnthonyWithington]

I went there on a school trip over 40years ago.

[@MissMentats]

Oooo just beginning this video, I know this story. A village of heroes!

[@HistoryCalling]

Hope you liked it. They were indeed heroes.

[@bevinboulder5039]

Great video as usual and incredible story. I've seen a documentary about a village where many residents (all related)had natural immunity to the plague. They did DNA tests on current residents who were descendants of those who were immune. Can't remember the village also not sure which iteration of plague was involved.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. I think that might have been Eyam actually.

[@JoRiver11]

There are scientists working on understanding exactly how the plague was spread - there was some question, because if it had been via rats, the initial outbreaks would have been closer to the docks. What they're finding is that it is more likely to have been human body lice and human fleas that were introduced via textiles. The beds and clothes of victims would have been infested, and you can follow the trail of infection through the people who inherited those things. (In parishes where they kept thorough records).

[@angelachapeski8461]

The Reverend Monpesson is my 9x Great-grandfather! How fascinating! Anyone else out there related to him? I heard that they were doing some DNA studies to see how people who were plague descendants from this village did during COVID and if there was anything genetically that predisposed them to healthier outcomes!

[@eleanorallenby7151]

I have visited Eyam many times. We walked out of the villiage towards the villiage boundery where there is a stone with three man made holes reputed to have been filled with vinagar. Here villiagers are said to have placed coins to pay for supplies left by neighbouring villiagers. I have no idea if this is authentic. I don't know what understanding there was in the general population of microbes and infection control at that time, or if there are any primary sources to prove it's authenticity.

[@HistoryCalling]

I don't think I saw that stone myself, but I've certainly heard the vinegar story. It's not in Mompesson's contemporary letters, so it dates from a later period. It could be true though.

[@annamcuthbert3993]

I remember going there on a school trip , lovely place

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, it's gorgeous. A really lovely part of the world.

[@annamcuthbert3993]

@@HistoryCalling I live in Derbyshire so not far

[@conemadam]

Great!! This is a period that I have studied for years, given my interest in the Stuarts. I assume that you are familiar the “The Year of Wonders” by Geraldine Brooks. It is a majesterial piece of Historical fiction based upon the few facts that you mention.

[@HistoryCalling]

I'm not actually, but a few people have mentioned the book here and on Instagram so I may have to check it out :-)

[@kimsim4647]

Loved that book, excellent read.

[@robnewman6101]

During the Plauge, red crosses were painted put on Londonders house doors.

[@MonaMcElroy]

This was very interesting, thank you. When is the Cecily Neville (3) coming?

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. Cecily Neville is all done, but Margaret of Anjou will be along in a few weeks :-)

[@crystalharris7394]

👏👏👏

[@Chris-sd8mk]

I live there,that’s where the poem came from ring a ring of roses

[@leefr76]

I’ve always found plague doctors very creepy with their scary masks. I’m not sure I would book an appointment to see that doctor if I felt unwell in 1665!

[@HistoryCalling]

I know. Those masks didn't even do anything either.

[@taraelizabethdensley9475]

Maybe those outfits were an early attempt at what we would now call bio hazard suits

[@vbsenthusiast]

that's interesting! i'd like to explore that graveyard, lol

[@HistoryCalling]

It's beautiful. There aren't actually many plague tombs in it, but it's very interesting none the less, as is the church.

[@English_Dawn]

HC Thank you so much. Did you realise that Blanche of Lancaster may have died close to Eyam at Tutbury centuries earlier possibly from the Bubonic Plague too. It was rife at the time. As wife of John of Gaunt, mother of Henry IV she was given a state funeral at St. Paul's and was commemorated widely. Regards, Titus.

[@HistoryCalling]

You're welcome. Yes, I've heard of one of the royals dying of plague, but haven't looked into it in any detail (yet!)

[@English_Dawn]

@@HistoryCalling Yes. Like your commentary on some of the wealthier parishioners at Eyam escaping, it did not always save you. 😢 Didn't Mary Queen of Scots stay at Tutbury 🤔

[@lisamarie5937]

I read a novel about this several years ago and had no idea it was a true story!

[@HistoryCalling]

Yup, though I'll bet the novel took some liberties with the facts.

[@pheart2381]

Elbow bumps for Mompesson!

[@HistoryCalling]

Exactly! :-)