Mompesson's Well
Mompesson's Well: A symbol of Eyam's courageous plague quarantine, where money was sterilized in vinegar-filled waters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant walks, blooming nature
Mompesson's Well
Best Time
Pleasant walks, blooming nature
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Mompesson's Well: A symbol of Eyam's courageous plague quarantine, where money was sterilized in vinegar-filled waters.
"A poignant historical site, deeply connected to Eyam's brave plague quarantine."
🚶♀️ Walk from the Village
Enjoy a lovely walk through the woods to reach the well, offering scenic views.
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking is available in a small lay-by near the well, so arrive early if driving.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.3 · 76 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mompesson's Well
Eyam, Derbyshire
The historic well where money was left for sterilization during the plague, a symbol of Eyam's sacrifice.
Eyam Village
Derbyshire
Explore the 'plague village' that chose isolation, with its museum and poignant history.
Woodland Walk
Paths around Eyam
Enjoy a beautiful walk through the woods, connecting the village to the well.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand Eyam's Plague History
Plan Your Walk to the Well
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk from the Village
Enjoy a lovely walk through the woods to reach the well, offering scenic views.
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking is available in a small lay-by near the well, so arrive early if driving.
Today I learned that in 1666, the English village of Eyam made an extraordinary sacrifice. After the bubonic plague reached their community, the villagers chose to quarantine themselves rather than flee. An estimated 260 villagers died, however, this decision likely saved thousands.
I live near there, and as a kid we used to go walking there. We used to walk past.”Mompesson’s Well’ where villagers used to make exchanges with the outside world.
TIL of Eyam. A small Northern English village of 350 persons who in 1665 when the plague arrived chose to isolate themselves rather than let the infection spread. 83 survived but their decision stopped further infection in the region.
They would leave money for supplies in holes carved into rocks filled with vinegar. You can still see the rocks if you go there.
📜 Understand the History
Visit the Eyam Museum first to fully appreciate the well's significance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk to the well can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
TIL that in 1666, the entire English village of Eyam, when contaminated with the bubonic plague, agreed to quarantine itself, essentially sentencing themselves to death, instead of fleeing to other villages. They did it to stop the disease from spreading. Some 260 villagers died.
They would leave money for goods in holes carved into rocks that they filled with vinegar. You can still go and see the rocks
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk from the Village
Enjoy a lovely walk through the woods to reach the well, offering scenic views.
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking is available in a small lay-by near the well, so arrive early if driving.
📜 Understand the History
Visit the Eyam Museum first to fully appreciate the well's significance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk to the well can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Mompesson's Well a poignant historical site, deeply connected to Eyam's brave plague quarantine. While the well itself is modest, the surrounding woodland walk and the rich history, especially when combined with the Eyam Museum, make it a worthwhile and moving experience. Parking is limited, and some find the well itself to be a brief stop.
"Named for Eyam Priest William Mompresson, who helped stop the spread of the plague when it came to Eyam by isolating the village. The well was filled with vinegar to sterilise money coming in and out of the village mainly given to other villages for produce left for the people of Eyam, such as food. We walked to the well from the museum quite a walk but lovely views. If you are interested in the history of this village them visiting the well is a must. We then walked back down to the village through some lovely woods."
lisa sowerby
"Lovely walk through the woods to the well. Interesting history as its where a exchange of food was made during the plague. They left money in the well to pay to clean the coins."
Ian B
"Not much to see but has some history with the village. All you see in the 2 pics is pretty much all that is there. You can drive right up to it and park right outside it, but only a small layby for a single car."
Mark Taylor
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Mompesson's Well by car via a small lay-by, or enjoy a scenic walk through the woods from Eyam village. The walk offers lovely views and is a popular choice for visitors.
While direct public transport to the well itself might be limited, buses serve the nearby village of Eyam. From Eyam, you can then walk to the well. Check local bus schedules for routes to Eyam.
Mompesson's Well is located just outside Eyam village. If driving, look for the small lay-by parking area near the well. It's easily missed, so keep an eye out.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mompesson's Well is an outdoor historical site and generally does not require an entrance fee. It's a free-to-access historical landmark.
As an outdoor historical feature, Mompesson's Well is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Mompesson's Well, you'll see the historic well itself, a key site in Eyam's plague history. The surrounding area offers a glimpse into the village's past and the sacrifices made.
Most visitors spend a short time at the well itself, perhaps 15-30 minutes, especially if they've walked from the village. The experience is often combined with a visit to Eyam Museum and the village.
Yes, children can visit Mompesson's Well. The walk through the woods can be an adventure, and the historical context can be explained in an age-appropriate manner.
Absolutely! You can take photos of the well and the surrounding natural beauty. The woodland walk also offers great photo opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no dining facilities directly at Mompesson's Well, the village of Eyam offers several charming pubs and tea rooms where you can enjoy refreshments after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The well itself is the primary subject. The surrounding woodland, especially during autumn, provides beautiful natural backdrops for photography.
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