XX REPORT. 
to a height of 600 feet, capped by the basset of the millstone 
grit. This mountain range, with its plantations of trees, forms a 
screen to ward off the north winds and shelter the habitations 
below. A little further north, in the centre of the parish, rises the 
mountain called Sir William, from the summit of which a series of 
magnificent views are obtainable in every direction. But we need 
not ascend so high, for Eyam is surrounded by pleasant uplands, 
wild dells, and lovely landscapes. 
“The Manor of Eyam, in the reign of Edward the Confessor, was 
held by Caschin, but at the survey of the Conqueror it was vested 
in the crown, and was granted by Henry I. to William Peveril, 
being held under him by the Morteynes of Risley. About 1307, 
Roger de Morteyne sold the manor and estate to Thomas, Lord 
de Furnival, of Sheffield, through whose female descendants it has 
continued to the present time. It is now the property of the 
Duke of Devonshire, 18th in descent from Thomas Lord de Fur- 
nival. The manor house has long disappeared. 
“There was no church at Eyam when the Domesday Book 
was compiled, but one must have been erected soon after, for it is 
recorded, that in 1284, William de Morteyne was owner of the 
living or benefice. The present church, dedicated to S. Helen, 
consists of nave, north and south aisles, chancel, and tower at the 
west end. It underwent a partial restoration and enlargement in 
1868-9. Mr. Cox says, ‘There is nothing Norman about the 
building excepting it be the circular font.’ On the south side of 
the chancel are four lancet windows of the Early English period ; 
and another at the west end of the north aisle. The pointed 
arches of the nave and the capitals that support them are of the 
Decorated period; so is the archway into the tower, which was 
opened at the late restoration. To the same period are also 
assigned the small doorway at the west end, and the bell-chamber 
windows of the tower. The fabric was restored by Mr. Street, 
but the funds were not sufficient to carry out the work on the 
south side, where you will find some very ugly square-headed 
windows with square panes. The tower has a_battlemented 
parapet, crocketed pinnacles, and projecting gurgoyles. Over the 
