The Eyam Plague
Back in September of 1665, the small village of Eyam (located in England) became host to a deadly plague.
A bale of cloth containing fleas with the plague arrived at Eyam. It came from London where this disease had already taken thousands of lives. A tailor’s assistant called George Viccars was said to have opened the bale and hung the cloth in front of the hearth to dry, unwittingly stirring the disease-ridden fleas contained within the parcel.
George died and the disease started to spread. The small village had an estimated population of 350 people. Many wanted to leave and get away from the plague but ultimately decided that in order to keep the disease from spreading, they would quarantine themselves. No one was allowed in our outside of the village. Many were reluctant but decided to stay, effectively choosing death but sparing nearby communities who had not been introduced to the disease.
Ultimately 260 people died but thousands of other lives were spared.
HERE is a very detailed source going over the Eyam Plague. It goes into accounts of people who lived there and their stories. I highly recommend reading this
IIRC, “The Roses of Eyam” (a TV drama based on the play, also an audio-book reading) are on YouTube.
