The true story of the Derbyshire village of Eyam during The Plague of 1665-66 in which characters and their values change as tragedy unfolds, as all the villagers effectively agree to stay in the village in order for the Plague not to spread.

A new young Rector battles for authority with the puritanical former rector. William announces the betrothal of Emmy and Rowland but then he and Stanley are called to tend to a sick villager who dies before they arrive. Stanley identifies plague from experience. William, shocked, fails to anoint the tailor. Stanley suspects the cause is cloth brought from London. It must be burnt and a quick burial to keep secrecy, prevent panic.

Written by Don Shaw.

William ...... Al Weaver
Catherine ...... Emily Pithon
Thomas Stanley ...... David Calder
Emmy Sydall....... Charlie May-Clark
Rowland ...... Gerard Kearns
Alice Sydall ..... Daryl Fishwick
Mary Cooper ..... Melissa Sinden

Producer: Pauline Harris

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2015. Show less