Let’s Recall the Greatness of Great Britain and Its People through Adversity!

Home where first British Plague Victim died in 1665

Too often, we forget the stories that define us—stories of duty, courage, and sacrifice that set the British apart. But today, let’s revive our pride by remembering Eyam, a small Derbyshire village whose unbreakable spirit saved thousands.

In 1665, the Great Plague struck Eyam, brought in by a bundle of flea-infested cloths from London. With death creeping through their streets, the people of Eyam were faced with a choice—flee and spread the plague, or stand firm and protect their countrymen.

Led by their rector, William Mompesson, and his predecessor, Thomas Stanley, these brave villagers made a decision few would dare to make—they sealed themselves off from the world, choosing to die so that others might live.

For over a year, Eyam stood alone. No one left. No one entered. They relied on supplies left at the village boundary, paying with coins soaked in vinegar to prevent infection. They buried their own dead. Some, like Elizabeth Hancock, lost nearly their entire families—yet still, they endured.

By November 1666, the plague had run its course, leaving over 260 dead—more than half the village. But thanks to Eyam’s sacrifice, the surrounding towns were spared. Their unshakable sense of duty saved thousands.

This is what it means to be British. To stand firm in the face of adversity. To put others before oneself. To choose honour over self-preservation.

Eyam is not just a village—it is a symbol of who we are. Let us remember their sacrifice and be #bproud to be British!

#ProudToBeEnglish #Eyam #EnglishSpirit #UnsungHeroes #NeverForget #bproud