Summary
To the east of Eyam Village is an egg-shaped enclosure surrounded by a drystone wall and containing 7 graves, belonging to the Hancock family.
Identification Images (1)
Monument Types
- FRIENDS BURIAL GROUND (Mid 17th C to Late 19th C - 1666 AD to 1900 AD)
Description
In a field on the E side of Eyam village is an egg-shaped enclosure surrounded by a drystone wall and containing 7 graves. They belong to those members of the Hancock family who died from the plague within 7 days of each other in August 1666. Six of the graves are marked by simply-inscribed sandstone slabs set upright, with no grave mounds visible. The seventh, belonging to John Hancock senior, is a table tomb. The family lived in a house within the field (60436) which is called Riley Field, hence the name given to the burials. No excavation or surveys have been carried out.
References
- SZE16772 - Photograph - black and white: Harry Beamish. 01/04/1986. Riley Graves, Eyam, Longshaw Estate. 16.
- SZE4172 - Monograph: J Croston. 1862. On Foot Through the Peak.
- SZE4176 - Article in serial: R Keene. 1884. A six days' ramble over Derbyshire hills and dales, in the year 1858. 6.
- SZE4345 - Monograph: S T Hall. 1853. The Peak and the Plain.
Other Statuses and References
- HER/SMR Reference (External): 5405
- National Park
Associated Events
None Recorded
Associated Finds
None Recorded
Related Records
None Recorded