Mompesson's Well: Eyam's Plague Boundary Legacy
Historic boundary well where Eyam villagers left disinfected coins to contain the 1665 plague, symbolizing sacrifice and resilience in Derbyshire’s Peak District.
Mompesson's Well in Eyam, Derbyshire, is a poignant 17th-century landmark tied to the village's heroic quarantine during the 1665–1666 Great Plague. Named after Reverend William Mompesson, the well marks a boundary where villagers left coins disinfected with vinegar in exchange for food and medicine, helping to contain the plague within Eyam and save surrounding communities. It stands as a testament to sacrifice and communal resilience.
A brief summary to Mompesson's Well
- Hope Valley, Eyam, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit the well early in the day to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and avoid crowds.
- Explore nearby plague boundary stones and memorials for a fuller understanding of Eyam’s quarantine.
- Wear sturdy shoes as the well is accessed via a woodland path with uneven terrain.
- Combine your visit with a walk around Eyam village to see other plague-related historic sites.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bus
Take the local bus service from Sheffield city center to Eyam village, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Buses run several times daily but check schedules in advance as frequency reduces on weekends. The village is a short walk from the bus stop to Mompesson's Well.
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Car
Drive to Eyam via the A623 from Chesterfield or the A6187 from Sheffield, with a journey time of about 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Limited parking is available in the village; expect a 10 to 15-minute walk on uneven paths to reach Mompesson's Well. Parking may be restricted during peak tourist seasons.
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Walking
For walkers, a scenic 3 to 4-hour round trip hike from nearby villages such as Stoney Middleton or Grindleford offers an immersive Peak District experience. The terrain includes woodland paths and some steep sections; suitable footwear and moderate fitness are recommended.
Mompesson's Well location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Mompesson's Well
A Symbol of Sacrifice in Eyam's Plague History
Mompesson's Well is a historic water well located on the outskirts of the village of Eyam in Derbyshire, England. It is named after Reverend William Mompesson, the Church of England priest who led the village during one of its darkest chapters—the Great Plague of 1665–1666. This well served as a critical boundary point during the village’s voluntary quarantine, where villagers left money soaked in vinegar to pay for provisions left by neighboring communities. This practice was part of a carefully managed effort to prevent the deadly bubonic plague from spreading beyond Eyam.The Plague Outbreak and Quarantine Measures
The plague reached Eyam in late summer 1665 through a flea-infested bundle of cloth sent from London to the local tailor. The tailor’s assistant, George Viccars, was the first victim after opening the damp cloth. As the disease spread rapidly, Reverend Mompesson, alongside his predecessor Thomas Stanley, persuaded the villagers to impose a strict quarantine, isolating themselves for 14 months. The villagers agreed to stay within the village boundaries, with no one allowed to enter or leave, a radical measure that likely saved many lives in surrounding areas.The Role of Mompesson's Well in Containing the Plague
Mompesson's Well became a crucial exchange point during the quarantine. Food, medicine, and other essentials were left by neighbors at the well’s edge, while villagers deposited coins in vinegar-filled holes in the stone to disinfect the money. This innovative method reflected the limited understanding of disease transmission at the time but proved effective in curbing contagion. The well remains a powerful symbol of the village’s collective courage and self-sacrifice.The Village’s Endurance and Legacy
Despite the quarantine, the plague claimed approximately 260 lives—about one-third of Eyam’s population at the time. Families were devastated, and the rector’s own wife died during the outbreak. Yet, the villagers’ decision to isolate themselves prevented the spread of the plague to the wider Derbyshire region. Today, Mompesson's Well stands as a Grade II listed structure, commemorating Eyam’s unique place in history and its contribution to early public health practices.Visiting Mompesson's Well Today
Visitors to Eyam can see the well nestled in a tranquil rural setting, surrounded by scenic Peak District landscapes. The site invites reflection on the human cost of the plague and the remarkable solidarity shown by the villagers. Nearby, boundary stones and memorials further mark the limits of the quarantine zone, offering a tangible connection to this extraordinary episode of community resilience.Continuing Remembrance and Cultural Impact
Eyam holds an annual memorial service known as Plague Sunday to honor those who suffered and died. The story of Mompesson's Well and the village’s quarantine has inspired historians, medical researchers, and visitors worldwide, highlighting themes of sacrifice, leadership, and the social response to epidemic disease. The well remains a poignant reminder of the power of collective action in the face of crisis.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the eco-conscious traveler
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
