Eyam

Eyam is a village in the Derbyshire Dales within the Peak District, England, known for its stone cottages and the parish church of St. Lawrence. Roads wind past old burial grounds and wells, and the village center remains small enough to explore on foot.

Residents sealed themselves in during 1665 after a tailor received infected fabric from London. This voluntary isolation lasted over a year and stopped the disease from reaching neighboring settlements.

The museum holds personal belongings and records from the 17th-century quarantine period. Visitors learn how families lived apart and exchanged supplies at designated points.

A car park on Hawkhill Road offers facilities and vending machines, while a second one further uphill provides free spaces. Most landmarks sit close together, so you can walk them in about an hour without steep climbs.

Researchers discovered a rare gene mutation in descendants that might explain resistance to the disease. This genetic trait later helped scientists better understand mechanisms of infectious illness.

Location: Derbyshire Dales

Shares border with: Foolow, Stoney Middleton, Grindleford, Highlow

GPS coordinates: 53.28400,-1.67100

Latest update: December 15, 2025 08:41