Riley Graves, Eyam:  the graveyard, entered by a stile
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Riley Graves

4.6
·141 reviews·, United Kingdom

A solemn memorial to the Hancock family, tragically lost to plague, set in a peaceful Peak District field.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant walking weather

CrowdLow
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Riley Graves, Eyam:  the graveyard, entered by a stile

Riley Graves

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant walking weather

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A solemn memorial to the Hancock family, tragically lost to plague, set in a peaceful Peak District field.

4.6
(141 reviews)

"Really brings home the cost of the plague and the price the villagers paid. Well worth the walk to see."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The walk to Riley Graves can be uneven and muddy. :athletic_shoe:

Respect the Site

This is a place of remembrance. Please be quiet and respectful of the graves. 🙏

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Hancock Family Graves

The Hancock Family Graves

Riley's Field, Eyam

Six gravestones marking the tragic plague deaths of the entire Hancock family in 1666. A deeply moving historical site.

Reddit
Riley's Field Atmosphere

Riley's Field Atmosphere

Outskirts of Eyam

A peaceful and atmospheric setting for reflection, offering a quiet space to contemplate the past.

Reddit
The Boundary Stone

The Boundary Stone

Eyam

A historical marker related to Eyam's plague quarantine, symbolizing the village's isolation.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Understand the History

Riley Graves is a poignant reminder of the 1665-1666 plague in Eyam. The six Hancock family gravestones tell a tragic story of loss. Visiting offers a deep connection to this historical event. Reddit

Plan Your Walk

Located on the outskirts of Eyam, Riley Graves requires a pleasant walk through the countryside. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for potentially muddy paths, especially after rain. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant walking weather
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer visitors for reflection
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

9 best places you must visit in the Peak District National Park UK . #peakdistrictnationalpark #bestplacestogo #mustseeplaces #visituk
@shewalksinengland
15.1K likes • 359.5K views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The walk to Riley Graves can be uneven and muddy. :athletic_shoe: InstagramReddit

Respect the Site

This is a place of remembrance. Please be quiet and respectful of the graves. 🙏

Ay-up! 

After visiting Riley Graves, I wandered into Stoney Middleton and dropped into Cupola for the first time. 👀 The café sits on the site of the old Lord’s Cupola smelting mill - so there’s real local history baked into its name and design. I had a cracking pizza, but it was the genuinely lovely team there that made the visit even better. 🍕 Highly recommend if you’re in the area! 👏🏼 #Ston...
thenottmlass
11 likes • 691 views
The Riley Graves (Hancock Family) in Eyam (pronounced Eeeeem!)
timdavisphoto_djtnt_
22 likes • 348 views

Combine with Eyam Village

Explore Eyam's plague history and charming streets after your visit. :villageredenvelopes: Instagram

Check Weather Forecast

Peak District weather can change quickly. Be prepared for rain or sun. ☂️ :sunwithface:

Going thru a small town #UK #Britain #GB #England #Manchester #iPhone12ProMax #hiking #lordwilliamkanhiking #ukhiking #PeakDistrict #SirWilliamHill #Eyam #Groggatt #RileyGraves
williamkan__
7 likes • 60 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The walk to Riley Graves can be uneven and muddy. :athletic_shoe: InstagramReddit

Respect the Site

This is a place of remembrance. Please be quiet and respectful of the graves. 🙏

Combine with Eyam Village

Explore Eyam's plague history and charming streets after your visit. :villageredenvelopes: Instagram

Check Weather Forecast

Peak District weather can change quickly. Be prepared for rain or sun. ☂️ :sunwithface:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(141 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Riley Graves to be a deeply moving and historically significant site, offering a poignant reminder of the plague's impact on Eyam. The peaceful atmosphere and the walk through the countryside are often highlighted as positive aspects. Some find the visit brief, but most agree it's a worthwhile stop for those interested in history.

"Really brings home the cost of the plague and the price the villager’s paid. Well worth the walk to see. Hi"

D H

"These six gravestones and tomb, enclosed by a stone wall, are actually the graves of the whole Hancock family. They all died of plague in Eyam and were buried here in Riley's Field. The inscriptions read;'ALICE HANCOCKE BUR AUG 9th 1666', 'ANN HANCOCKE, BUR AUG 10th 1666', 'WILLIAM HANCOCKE BUR AUG 17th 1666', 'JOHN HANCOCKE JUN BUR AUG 3rd 1666', 'ELIZABETH HANCOCKE BUR AUG 3rd 1666' and 'ONER HANCOCKE BUR AUG 7th 1666. The plague came into Eyam in a parcel of material which contained fleas that were carrying the disease. The villagers decided to cut themselves off from the rest of the country so they would not spread the disease further."

John Charles

"Lovely peaceful place, good to remember and pay respects to those who lost there lives during the 1665-1666 plague era."

Jamie Blackwell

What People Like

Poignant historical site
Peaceful and atmospheric
Pleasant countryside walk

What People Dislike

Brief visit duration
Limited facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Riley Graves is located on the outskirts of Eyam village. A pleasant walk of about 15-20 minutes will take you there from the village center. Follow signs for Riley Graves or Riley's Field. InstagramReddit

There is no dedicated parking directly at Riley Graves. You will need to park in Eyam village and walk to the site. Reddit

Eyam is served by local bus routes. You can take a bus to Eyam and then walk to Riley Graves. Check local bus timetables for routes and times. TikTok

The walk is generally on country paths which can be uneven and muddy. It may not be suitable for all mobility levels. Reddit

Using a map of Eyam village and following the signs for Riley Graves is recommended. Many visitors find it a straightforward walk. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no admission fee to visit Riley Graves. It is an open outdoor site. Reddit

Riley Graves is accessible at all times as it is an outdoor field. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

There is no entrance fee. The site is freely accessible to the public. Reddit

While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to the uneven terrain and lack of lighting. Reddit

The main restriction is to be respectful of the graves and the historical significance of the site. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Riley Graves is the burial site of the Hancock family, who all died of plague in 1666. It's a powerful testament to the village's isolation during the epidemic. Reddit

You will see six gravestones enclosed by a stone wall, marking the graves of the Hancock family members. The setting is peaceful and atmospheric. Reddit

Most visitors spend around 30 minutes to an hour, including the walk to and from the site, for reflection. Reddit

There are no facilities such as restrooms or visitor centers directly at Riley Graves. These are available in Eyam village. Reddit

Yes, the atmospheric setting and historical gravestones can make for poignant photographs. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities at Riley Graves itself. However, Eyam village offers several pubs and cafes. Instagram

Picnicking is possible in the surrounding fields, but it's important to be respectful of the historical site and dispose of any waste properly. Reddit

Eyam has traditional pubs and cafes. For example, Cupola in Stoney Middleton, near Eyam, is noted for its pizza and history. Instagram

Yes, you can purchase snacks and drinks from shops or cafes in Eyam village before starting your walk. Instagram

Many cafes and pubs in the Peak District now offer vegetarian and vegan options. It's best to check menus or ask staff. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon light can create a beautiful, atmospheric glow on the gravestones and surrounding landscape. Instagram

You can capture poignant shots of the gravestones, the peaceful field, and the surrounding Peak District scenery. Instagram+1

Drone usage is generally restricted in national parks and around historical sites. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone. Instagram

Consider using a wider aperture for a shallow depth of field to focus on the gravestones, or a smaller aperture for landscape shots. Instagram

Yes, you can photograph the inscriptions, but please do so respectfully and without touching them. Reddit

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