Eyam Hall is situated in the famous 'Plague Village' in the Peak District. In 1666 the village of Eyam was struck down by bubonic plague carried from London to Derbyshire by infected fleas in bales of cloth.
The gabled manor house is built of local gritstone and incorporates part of an earlier, smaller house.
The present form of the house dates from 1671 and the rain-water heads, dated 1676, mark the completion of the rebuilding work carried out by Thomas Wright.
He was the younger son of a well-established local family who purchased the estate for his son John and his wife, an heiress. The property is still in the hands of the Wright family and the present owner has recently carried out a careful restoration of the building.
Eyham Hall was built to a rugged traditional design, little influenced by contemporary fashion. The entrance front has a strong horizontal emphasis with long, low mullioned windows and string courses marking the floor levels. The visitor enters the cosy and intimate house through the stone-flagged Hall. This is flanked on either side by projecting wings. The Jacobean staircase beyond may be a survival from the earlier house or possibly brought in from elsewhere.
The main rooms are furnished with appropriate 17th, 18th and 19th century pieces. There is also a good collection of family portraits, costumes, china and glass. One of the rooms in the wings is 'wallpapered' with 15th and 16th century Flemish tapestries.
The original great chamber now houses the Library and the Dining Room is on the site of the old kitchen. The present Kitchen was added to the house in 1700. The tour also includes a bedroom.
The historic farmyard houses a Craft Centre where crafts people can be seen at work.
There is also a Buttery and Gift Shop with authentic local products for sale.
Garden:Jul & Aug: Wed, Thur, Sun & Bank Holiday Mon 12:00-16:00. House: July and August: tours Wed, Thur, Sun and Bank Holiday Mon 12:00-16:00. Christmas Tours: Dec: 1st three Sun 12:00-16:00. Craft Centre: all year Tue-Sun 11:00-17:00
Tel: 01433 631976 Eyam Hall Website
