After launching a business in Eyam, Anne Hyde was moved by the fortitude shown by village women from the time of plague through to the present day. Fiona Stubbs finds out more.
THE heart-wrenching image of a grieving woman, dragging the body of a family member to their grave personifies the horror of plague in 17th century Eyam. Elizabeth Hancock buried her husband and six of her seven children in just eight days as, in 1665, bubonic plague swept through the Derbyshire village, claiming the lives of 260 people.
It’s a story that still shocks, saddens and intrigues visitors to the Peak District as they discover the loss and self-sacrifice experienced by inhabitants of the ‘plague village’.
The image of Elizabeth Hancock struck a chord with Anne Hyde when she opened her business Delightful Living – selling homewares, gifts and accessories – in Eyam with her partner, Paul. However, for Anne, it symbolised not only tragedy… but incredible strength. As time went on, she realised how strong women have played a role in Eyam for centuries – and continue to do so.
Anne says: “Since opening our shop, I’ve learned more and more about the women who keep the wheels of Eyam turning. Chatting to people every day, we hear some remarkable stories about the reasons people come to the village. Many come for the plague story – more relevant than ever these days because of Covid-19 and lockdown. But a lot visit for other reasons, and many of those have women behind them.
“On the front of a leaflet for Eyam Museum is the iconic image of Elizabeth Hancock dragging a body across the fields. It’s a dramatic image – and it makes me wonder if she was the first ‘strong woman’ of Eyam.
“There’s an amazing community here and women seem to be at the core. Nobody is interested in taking the limelight, they just get their heads down and get on with it. A lot goes on in this little village, and the majority is led by women.”
Anne’s own business has grown over several years since she started making hand painted wooden signs from her kitchen table in 2008. Joined by her partner, Paul, the couple design and make a range of personalised gifts that are sold online and in 2023 opened their lifestyle store in The Courtyard Barn at Eyam Hall Courtyard. Earlier this year, Delightful Living was named regional Best Lifestyle Store in the Muddy Stiletto Awards.
Anne adds: “As well as women running businesses, there are lots of women who organise community events including litter picks, the well dressings each year, churchyard tidy-ups, fundraisers in the church and all sorts of things. While men pay an equally vital role in the community, as a woman it’s the stories of the women of Eyam that have resonated with me.
“When I look at the image of Elizabeth Hancock on that museum leaflet it really strikes a chord for me about the quiet strength and determination of a lot of the women here.”
Editor’s Note: Find out more about Anne’s business at www.delightfulliving.co.uk
Some of Eyam’s leading ladies…
Hannah Bennett
Hannah is a sculptor, specialising in ceramic stoneware pieces, inspired by nature and designed for the outdoors. Her Sculpture Gardens at her converted barn home in Eyam are open to visitors, by appointment, during the summer.
Hannah began her career as a baker in Lyon, France, and she went on to create speciality bakes for Harrods and Fortnum & Mason before starting her freelance career in sculpting.
She says: “I had always wanted to build my own house in an old barn and, having previously worked as an apprentice to a builder, this property seemed perfect. I had no idea what a wonderful place Eyam is until I moved here and I have never felt so welcomed and supported. I feel totally connected to the place, the people and the landscape.”
Find out more at www.hannahbennett.co.uk
Stella Kisob
Stella moved to Eyam 17 years ago, launching her restaurant Stella’s Kitchen at the farmhouse home she shares with her husband, ‘local boy’ Patrick Knowles, and their son.
Originally from Cameroon, Stella was inspired to start a restaurant after members of the Eyam church community enjoyed her food at bring-and-share lunches.
She co-founded – and is still part of – a local women’s baking group and recently served as a judge of floats at Eyam carnival.
Stella’s Cameroonian cuisine draws visitors from far and wide and her restaurant has hosted many celebrities, including the Hairy Bikers and American actor and TV food presenter Adam Richman. She has also appeared in episodes of BBC series Songs of Praise and Escape to the Country.
Stella says: “I love Eyam. I am part of my village community and have fully integrated as a Derbyshire lass.”
Find out more at www.stellas-kitchen.co.uk
Lyndsey Stanton
Lyndsey’s business Hope Valley Honey – which she runs with her husband, Mark – developed during Covid lockdown as the couple re-evaluated their time together as a family.
Mark’s family had farmed for four generations and beekeeping had been his long-held dream. Lyndsey says: “We wanted to give a true taste of ‘The Valley’ with full flavoured award-winning honey straight from the hive. I also create beeswax products, including candles and wax melts.
“Our family connections in Eyam go back hundreds of years and having our business here is a real privilege.
“For the women of Eyam, there is so much support and encouragement. Lots of talented businesswomen come together and celebrate each other.”
Find out more at www.hopevalleyhoney.co.uk
Rachel Smith
After a 26-year career in corporate banking, Rachel now runs two successful holiday accommodations – a grade II-listed stone cottage and a traditional shepherd’s hut – in Eyam.
Rachel – who has lived in the village for 25 years – supports local makers by organising the annual week-long Eyam Makers Market – which this year runs from November 16. It is held in Eyam’s old market hall where, traditionally, farmers’ wives would sell eggs, butter, cheese and poultry on market days. Rachel also contributes to the merchandise – making knitted blankets and hats and garlands.
She says: “I like to promote the goodness of the village with its strong community. It’s important to support local businesses and people. Championing each other allows us all to believe that anyone can follow their dreams.”
Find out more at www.thehuteyam.co.uk and www.thecottageeyam.co.uk
Lynn Jackson
Since moving to Eyam 45 years ago, Lynn has been devoted to village life. She became the wife of the village GP, Peter Jackson, raising his two boys from the ages of nine and 11.
For 30 years, she ran the annual Village Show and became involved in the luncheon club, organising transport for elderly people and ultimately raising funds for a mini bus. This led to the creation of Bakewell and Eyam Community transport, which now has a fleet of 20 accessible buses. Over the course of 30 years, she served in various roles – from driver to president.
Lynn has a long involvement with the village pantomime. She is a member of a pop up choir and the All and Sundry band and takes part in the drama for the Plague Service in the Delph. Church duties include roles as churchwarden and bellringing for services and weddings and she is a chief clay puddler and petaller for wells dressings.
A tireless fundraiser for charities, Lynn was awarded the title “Beacon of Hope” for Derbyshire in recognition of her work during Covid.
Lynn says: “Eyam is an awesome village. I believe “community” has been in our DNA since plague times and, thank goodness, shows no sign of disappearing any time soon. Bringing up two young boys when I was only young myself was quite a challenge but there was always help, love, advice and plenty of support, for which I am eternally grateful.”
Clare Hepworth
Having started her events career running Wimbledon and Chelsea Flower show, Clare organises Eyam’s unique bonfire night celebration and is known locally as ‘Bonfire Clare’.
Remembering the source of the Eyam plague, schoolchildren weave a huge rat out of willow, filled with fairy lights and wrapped in tissue paper. The rat leads the torch-lit, music-led procession through the village to be placed on the oversized bonfire. The event raises invaluable funds for the school and community, last year topping £16,500.