The Plague Stones of England: A Sobering Reminder of a Bygone Era

Plague stones are found across England, and are usually in the form of hollowed-out stones or boulders. These stones are relics of the medieval plagues, and were used as a way to try to prevent the spread of disease.

During the plague, people were terrified of catching the disease. They believed that it was contagious, and that it could be spread through contact with infected people or objects.

Plague stones were placed along roads and at parish boundaries. They were filled with vinegar or another disinfectant, and people would place coins in the hollows. The idea was that people could buy food and other goods from outsiders without having to come into direct contact with them.

Plague stones were also used to mark the graves of plague victims. This was done to help prevent people from accidentally disturbing the graves and spreading the disease.

Today, plague stones are a sobering reminder of a bygone era. They are a testament to the fear and suffering that people endured during the plague years.

Here are some of the most notable plague stones in England:

  • Eyam Plague Stone, Derbyshire: This plague stone is located in the village of Eyam, which famously quarantined itself during the 1665 plague outbreak. The stone has a hollowed-out top, which was filled with vinegar.
  • Hob Moor Plague Stone, York: This plague stone is located on Hob Moor, a nature reserve in York. It is a large boulder with a hollowed-out top, which was also filled with vinegar.
  • Penrith Plague Stones, Cumbria: There are two plague stones in Penrith, one to the north and one to the south of the town. Both stones are hollowed-out and were used to disinfect coins.
  • Bury St Edmunds Plague Stone, Suffolk: This plague stone is located in the town of Bury St Edmunds, which was one of the worst-hit towns in England during the 1348 Black Death. The stone has a hollowed-out top and is inscribed with the words "God have mercy on all Christian souls."
  • Gresford Plague Stone, Denbighshire: This plague stone is located in the village of Gresford, near Wrexham. It is a large boulder with a hollowed-out top, which was filled with vinegar.
  • Zennor Plague Stone, Cornwall: This plague stone was positioned at the boundary of Zennor Churchtown. The depression in the centre was filled with vinegar. Money that changed hands between villagers and outsiders would be placed in the vinegar, and thus disinfected.

Plague stones are a fascinating part of English history. They are a reminder of a time when people were terrified of disease, and of the lengths they would go to in order to protect themselves.


© All rights reserved

Popular Posts

Lanhill Long Barrow: A Window into Neolithic Britain

Image
Lanhill Long Barrow also known as Hubba's Low, is a Neolithic long barrow located in Wiltshire, England. It is one of the best-preserved long barrows in the Cotswolds-Severn Group, and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The barrow is oriented east-west and measures 56 meters long and 4 meters high. It has a roughly oval shape, with a rounded end at the east and a slightly pointed end at the west. The barrow is made up of earth and rubble, and is surrounded by a ditch. The barrow was excavated in 1909, and three burial chambers were discovered. However, only the southernmost burial chamber survives today. The chamber is rectangular in shape and measures 2.5 meters long, 1.5 meters wide, and 1 meter high. It is made up of large sarsen stones, and the roof is now supported by steel bars. The burial chamber contained the remains of at least 12 people, as well as a variety of grave goods, including pottery, flint tools, and jewelry. The grave goods suggest that the barrow was used for com...
Read more

The Enigmatic Stones of Avebury

Image
Nestled in the heart of Wiltshire, England, Avebury is one of the most intriguing prehistoric sites in the world. While Stonehenge often steals the limelight, Avebury offers an expansive and fascinating landscape dotted with ancient stones, each steeped in history and legend. Let’s take a closer look at these remarkable features. DEVIL'S CHAIR The Devil's Chair is a striking formation within Avebury, shaped like a throne or seat. Legend has it that this stone was once used by the Devil himself to survey the surrounding landscape. The tale goes that the Devil would sit here, tempting passersby with mischief. This stone exudes an aura of mystery, drawing visitors to ponder its dark associations. Whether you believe in folklore or not, the imposing presence of the Devil's Chair is undeniable, making it a must-see for anyone visiting the site. RING STONE According to local legend, the Ring Stone was once whole and stood proudly as a pivotal part of the Avebury circle. However, ...
Read more

Devilishly Intriguing: Exploring Oxfordshire's Mysterious Quoits

Image
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Oxfordshire, England, lies a site shrouded in legend and history: the Devil's Quoits. This evocative name hints at its ancient past, a past that stretches back 4, 000-5, 000 years to the Neolithic period. While not as widely known as its larger cousin, Stonehenge, the Devil's Quoits possess a charm and mystery all their own. A Circle Whispers Tales: Standing as a henge and stone circle, the Quoits boast an impressive circumference of 100 meters. Originally consisting of around 50 massive stones, only 17 remain upright today. Yet, even in their partially restored state, they whisper tales of a bygone era. Imagine Neolithic people gathering within this sacred space, conducting rituals under the watchful gaze of the sun and moon. What ceremonies did they perform? What beliefs did they hold? The stones, silent yet eloquent, leave these questions to fuel our imaginations. The Devil's Game: The name, "Devil's Quoi...
Read more