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If you've ever heard of Samuel Pepys then you should be aware of the Great Plague which took place in London shortly before the fire of London in 1666. The Plague was responsible for the deaths of many thousands of people at the time and swept throughout the streets of London. It was rife in poorer, dirtier areas and left many dead, sick and unable to work.

The Bubonic Plague was believed to have been carried across from the East (China etc.) and affected the whole of Europe. Please watch the following videos (right) and read the poem below to gain an understanding of Eyam's story !

Due to the story of the plague, Eyam has revamped it's small village into an education stronghold! There are signs all around the village to inform you of the events, graves and significant buildings around Eyam. There is also a museum which includes artifacts dating back to the time of the plague!

Ring a Ring o' Roses

A ring, a ring o' roses,
A pocket full o’posies-
Atishoo atishoo we all fall down.

________________________
This is a rhyme commonly sung by children, it refers to the plague. "Roses" refer to the rash that appeared on the skin of victims, the "Posies" refer to the herbs carried by sufferers to hide the dreadful smell of rotting skin  that had been caused by the plague itself. "Atishoo" refers to the final symptom on sneezing or coughing and "we all fall down" is the victim's death from the plague.

^The Plague and Eyam^
Images and sound by Andrew Thomas

Horrible History's version of a modern day plague report!