Riley Graves
A solemn memorial to the Hancock family, tragically lost to plague, set in a peaceful Peak District field.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Pleasant walking weather
Riley Graves
Best Time
Pleasant walking weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn memorial to the Hancock family, tragically lost to plague, set in a peaceful Peak District field.
"Really brings home the cost of the plague and the price the villagers paid. Well worth the walk to see."
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. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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.
Riley's Field Atmosphere
Outskirts of Eyam
A peaceful and atmospheric setting for reflection, offering a quiet space to contemplate the past.
The Boundary Stone
Eyam
A historical marker related to Eyam's plague quarantine, symbolizing the village's isolation.
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Planning Your Visit
Understand the History
Plan Your Walk
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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. :pray:
Combine with Eyam Village
Explore Eyam's plague history and charming streets after your visit. :villageredenvelopes:
Check Weather Forecast
Peak District weather can change quickly. Be prepared for rain or sun. :umbrella: :sunwithface:
Tips
from all over the internet
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. :pray:
Combine with Eyam Village
Explore Eyam's plague history and charming streets after your visit. :villageredenvelopes:
Check Weather Forecast
Peak District weather can change quickly. Be prepared for rain or sun. :umbrella: :sunwithface:
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
There is no dedicated parking directly at Riley Graves. You will need to park in Eyam village and walk to the site.
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.
The walk is generally on country paths which can be uneven and muddy. It may not be suitable for all mobility levels.
Using a map of Eyam village and following the signs for Riley Graves is recommended. Many visitors find it a straightforward walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit Riley Graves. It is an open outdoor site.
Riley Graves is accessible at all times as it is an outdoor field. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entrance fee. The site is freely accessible to the public.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to the uneven terrain and lack of lighting.
The main restriction is to be respectful of the graves and the historical significance of the site.
🎫 🧭 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.
You will see six gravestones enclosed by a stone wall, marking the graves of the Hancock family members. The setting is peaceful and atmospheric.
Most visitors spend around 30 minutes to an hour, including the walk to and from the site, for reflection.
There are no facilities such as restrooms or visitor centers directly at Riley Graves. These are available in Eyam village.
Yes, the atmospheric setting and historical gravestones can make for poignant photographs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities at Riley Graves itself. However, Eyam village offers several pubs and cafes.
Picnicking is possible in the surrounding fields, but it's important to be respectful of the historical site and dispose of any waste properly.
Eyam has traditional pubs and cafes. For example, Cupola in Stoney Middleton, near Eyam, is noted for its pizza and history.
Yes, you can purchase snacks and drinks from shops or cafes in Eyam village before starting your walk.
Many cafes and pubs in the Peak District now offer vegetarian and vegan options. It's best to check menus or ask staff.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light can create a beautiful, atmospheric glow on the gravestones and surrounding landscape.
You can capture poignant shots of the gravestones, the peaceful field, and the surrounding Peak District scenery.
Drone usage is generally restricted in national parks and around historical sites. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Consider using a wider aperture for a shallow depth of field to focus on the gravestones, or a smaller aperture for landscape shots.
Yes, you can photograph the inscriptions, but please do so respectfully and without touching them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more engaging for kids, consider turning it into a historical scavenger hunt or discussing the story of the Hancock family in simple terms. Afterwards, exploring the rest of Eyam village, with its own historical markers and open spaces, can provide further interest. Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited at the gravesite.
🚶 History Buffs
Combine your visit with a thorough exploration of Eyam village, including the Boundary Stone and the church. Visiting the Eyam Museum will provide deeper context and understanding of the village's extraordinary response to the epidemic.
🏞️ Nature Lovers & Hikers
After paying respects at Riley Graves, extend your outing by exploring more of the numerous hiking trails in the Peak District National Park. The area is rich with diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to dramatic valleys, perfect for a day of exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Eyam Plague and Riley Graves
The Hancock family, whose graves are marked at Riley Graves, tragically succumbed to the illness. The inscriptions on the six gravestones detail the rapid loss: Alice, Ann, William, John, Elizabeth, and Oner Hancock, all buried within a short period in August 1666. Elizabeth Hancock, in particular, is noted for burying seven of her family members over eight days. This site serves as a stark and deeply personal memorial to their fate and the sacrifices made by the entire village.
Visiting Riley Graves offers a tangible connection to this harrowing historical event. The peaceful setting belies the tragedy it represents, making it a place for quiet contemplation and remembrance of the resilience and sacrifice of the Eyam community.
Exploring Eyam Village
Walking through Eyam, you'll find a sense of quiet dignity. The village has embraced its history, offering visitors a chance to learn about the courage and selflessness displayed during the plague. Many of the buildings are historic, and the atmosphere is one of reflection and respect.
For a complete experience, consider visiting the Eyam Museum to delve deeper into the village's history. Afterwards, you can enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the local pubs or cafes, many of which have their own historical connections.
Walking and Hiking in the Peak District
For those who enjoy hiking, the Peak District offers a vast network of routes catering to all levels of fitness. From gentle strolls through dales to challenging climbs up gritstone edges, there's something for everyone. Popular nearby areas include the Derwent Dams, Mam Tor, and the Monsal Trail.
When planning your walks, always be prepared for the changeable Peak District weather. Wearing appropriate footwear, carrying waterproofs, and having a map or navigation device are essential. The local tourist information centers can provide detailed maps and advice on routes.
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