REPORT. XXV 
summer of 1666, excepting a few who died at the close of 1665. 
This sequestered village, before the plague, contained about 350 
inhabitants. The first who perished was buried September 7th, 
1665, and the last on the 11th October, 1666; but it was in the 
hot summer months of July and August that it raged at its worst ; 
56 persons falling victims in the former, and 77 during the latter 
month. When we take into consideration that the number of 
inhabitants on the rst of August had already been reduced to con- 
siderably under 200, the havoc is appalling. 
“ Terror-stricken, the poor villagers would long before this have 
fled from their loved homes, and spread the contagion over the 
country, had it not been for the heroic exertions of their pastor, 
the Rev. William Mompesson, aided by the Rev. Thomas Stanley, 
who energetically remonstrated with them on the danger of flight, 
and of the fearful consequences that would ensue ; carrying as 
they did the seeds of disease in their clothing. Mompesson pro- 
mised to write to the influential persons in the vicinity for aid, and 
that he would remain with them and do all in his power to help 
and succour them. The inhabitants, with superhuman courage, 
gave up all thoughts of flight. An imaginary circle, extending about 
a mile-and-a-half, was drawn around the village, marked by well- 
known stones and hills, which none were to pass, whether infected 
or not; and at several points on this boundary, provisions were 
brought, in the early morning, by persons from the adjoining 
villages. - In cases where money passed, for extra or particular 
articles, it was deposited in water; as at the place now known as 
Mompesson’s Well. Another like place was on the Cliffe, between 
Eyam and Stony Middleton. The provisions and many other 
necessaries were supplied, it is supposed, by the Duke of Devon- 
shire, who remained at Chatsworth during the calamity to render 
what aid he could. The wisdom of Mompesson, who is said to 
have originated this plan, is only surpassed by the courage of his 
_ flock in adhering to it; whom, as Miss Seward observes, ‘a cor- 
don of soldiers could not have prevented against their will, much 
less could any watch which might have been set by the neighbour- 
hood have effected that important purpose.’ 
