In September 1665, plague was inadvertently transported from London to
Eyam in Derbyshire on a consignment of cloth. This small country village
subsequently became famous for its decision to instate a 'cordon
sanitaire', isolating itself to prevent the disease from spreading. Much
of Eyam's population perished during that torrid period. Eyam: Plague
Village follows the local rector, the Revd William Mompesson, as he
tries to support his parishioners and contain the disease. Basing his
account closely on the known facts, David Paul describes the events
during this time in the village's history from the perspectives of the
rector, his wife Catherine, and the fictional character of Beth
Hounsfeild, Catherine's cousin.