Mompesson's Well: A Testament to Eyam’s Courageous Plague Quarantine
Mompesson's Well marks Eyam’s brave boundary where plague-era coins were disinfected, symbolizing sacrifice and community in the 1665 quarantine.
Mompesson's Well, located on the edge of Eyam village in the Peak District, is a poignant historical landmark symbolizing the villagers’ self-imposed quarantine during the 1665–1666 bubonic plague outbreak. Named after Reverend William Mompesson, the well was used to sterilize coins in vinegar as food and supplies were exchanged with neighboring communities, preventing the plague’s spread beyond Eyam.
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
Local tips
- Visit during daylight to fully appreciate the woodland walk and the well’s serene setting.
- Combine your visit with Eyam village to explore other plague-related sites and the local museum.
- Wear sturdy shoes for the uneven woodland paths leading to the well.
- Bring water and snacks as amenities near the well are limited.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
Getting There
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Bus
Take the local bus service from Sheffield or Bakewell to Eyam village, with a travel time of approximately 45–60 minutes. Buses run several times daily but check schedules as frequency varies on weekends. From the village center, Mompesson's Well is a 20-minute walk along marked woodland paths.
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Car
Driving from Sheffield or Chesterfield takes about 30–40 minutes. Limited parking is available near the village; a small lay-by close to the well offers parking for a few vehicles. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot. Note that roads near the well are narrow and may be busy on weekends.
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Walking
For visitors staying in Eyam, a pleasant 20-minute walk through scenic woodland leads to Mompesson's Well. The path is uneven and may be slippery after rain, so suitable footwear is recommended. The route is not wheelchair accessible.
Mompesson's Well location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Mompesson's Well
The Historical Significance of Mompesson's Well
Mompesson's Well stands as a powerful symbol of sacrifice and resilience in Eyam, Derbyshire. During the devastating bubonic plague outbreak of 1665–1666, the village chose to quarantine itself to prevent the deadly disease from spreading to surrounding areas. The well, named after the village’s rector William Mompesson, was a key boundary point where villagers left coins soaked in vinegar to pay for food and medicine left by neighbors. This ingenious method helped disinfect money and reduce the risk of contagion, embodying the community’s commitment to collective survival.The Plague and Eyam’s Self-Imposed Isolation
The plague arrived in Eyam via a flea-infested bundle of cloth sent from London to the local tailor. The disease quickly claimed many lives, including the tailor’s assistant, George Viccars, the first victim. Under the leadership of Reverend Mompesson and his predecessor Thomas Stanley, villagers agreed to isolate themselves for 14 months, a decision that cost over 260 lives but prevented wider regional infection. The well marks the outer boundary of this quarantine zone, where supplies were exchanged safely without direct contact.Setting and Visitor Experience
Situated on the outskirts of the village, Mompesson's Well is accessible by a scenic walk through woodland paths, offering visitors a reflective and tranquil atmosphere. The well itself is modest in appearance but deeply evocative, surrounded by natural beauty that contrasts with the grim history it represents. Nearby, other plague-related sites like the Boundary Stone and Riley Graves deepen the historical context, making the area a profound place for contemplation and remembrance.Legacy and Commemoration
Eyam’s story of courage is commemorated annually with memorial services and marked by plaques throughout the village. Mompesson's Well remains a focal point for visitors seeking to understand the human cost and heroism behind the plague quarantine. The villagers’ self-sacrifice is remembered as an unparalleled act of communal responsibility and moral resolve that saved countless lives beyond Eyam.The Well’s Role in Public Health History
Beyond its symbolic value, Mompesson's Well represents one of the earliest practical attempts at infection control through quarantine and disinfection. The use of vinegar to sterilize coins is a rudimentary but effective method reflecting 17th-century understanding of contagion. This site thus offers insight into early public health measures and the social dynamics of epidemic response.Connecting with Eyam’s Wider Heritage
Eyam itself is steeped in history, from ancient lead mining to its Norman church and historic buildings. The well connects visitors not only to the plague story but also to the broader narrative of a resilient rural community shaped by centuries of industry, faith, and adaptation. Exploring Mompesson's Well alongside the village enriches appreciation for Eyam’s unique place in English history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Baslow Edge
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Riley Graves
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Froggatt Edge
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National Trust - Padley Gorge
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Birchen Edge
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Chatsworth House
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The Merchant's Yard
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Derbyshire Eats
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Riverside House Hotel
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The Manners, Bakewell
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Pookie - Wookie Ltd
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Outside.co.uk
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Antique and Unique
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The British Emporium
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Edge of the World
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Quirky
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
