English Village Sacrificed to Plague (Part 1)
After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
Deep Dive
Why did the plague spread to the village of Eyam in 1665?
The plague spread to Eyam through a bundle of cloth from London that carried infected fleas. The cloth was ordered by the village tailor, Alexander Hadfield, and when his assistant, George Vickers, opened and hung it to dry, the fleas spread the disease.
What was the population of Eyam in the 1660s, and how did the plague affect it?
Eyam's population in the 1660s was estimated to be around 350 to 700 people. The plague caused a mortality rate of approximately 85%, devastating the village and leaving it nearly desolate.
How did the plague initially manifest in Eyam?
The plague first manifested in Eyam when George Vickers, the tailor's assistant, developed a fever, a red rash, and swollen lymph nodes (buboes) in his groin, armpits, and neck. He died within a week of the cloth's arrival.
What was the significance of the annual wakes celebration in Eyam?
The wakes celebration was an annual event in Eyam where villagers gathered to mark the harvest with dancing, drinking, and communal festivities. However, in 1666, the celebration was overshadowed by the plague's devastation, and no one felt like celebrating.
What was the Great Fire of London, and did it end the plague of 1666?
The Great Fire of London in 1666 was a massive fire that destroyed a large part of the city. However, it did not end the plague, as the fire did not reach the areas most affected by the disease, such as Whitechapel and Southwark.
How did people in 17th-century England attempt to treat the plague?
People in 17th-century England used various treatments for the plague, including bleeding with leeches, smoking pipes to purify the air, and using vinegar to cleanse the environment. These methods were based on the belief that bad air and impure environments caused the disease.
What role did Samuel Pepys play in documenting the plague of 1665?
Samuel Pepys, a diarist, documented the spread of the plague in London in 1665. His writings provide insights into the city's reaction, including the marking of houses with red crosses, the emptying of streets, and the mass exodus of people to the countryside.
How did the plague spread in London during 1665?
The plague spread in London through infected fleas carried by rats. It initially appeared in St. Giles in the Fields and gradually spread to other parishes, eventually reaching the heart of the city. By June, tens of thousands of people had fled London, and the disease reached its peak in August and September.
What was the mortality rate of the plague in 17th-century England?
If someone exhibited symptoms of the plague, such as buboes, fever, or vomiting, they had a 30% chance of dying within 14 days. The plague was highly lethal, especially in its early stages.
What was the significance of the plague in the context of 17th-century England?
The plague of 1665-1666 occurred during a turbulent period in English history, following the English Civil Wars and the restoration of Charles II. It added to the sense of uncertainty and fear, as many believed it was divine retribution for the execution of Charles I.
- The Great Plague of London in 1665 started in St. Giles in the Fields and spread rapidly.
- Tens of thousands fled London, depleting its population.
- Plague orders were implemented, including marking infected houses.
- Eyam's plague outbreak began with a bolt of cloth from London.
- The cloth's fleas spread the disease, causing numerous deaths in Eyam.
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