Overcrowded, dirty and awash with sewage… it’s hardly surprising that the bubonic plague flourished in the crowded streets of London. Over 15% of London’s population was wiped out between 1665 and 1666 alone, or some 100,000 people in the space of two years. But where did all these bodies go?
The answer: in tens, if not hundreds of plague pits scattered across the city and the surrounding countryside. The majority of these sites were originally in the grounds of churches, but as the body count grew and the graveyards became overcharged with dead, then dedicated pits were hastily constructed around the fields surrounding London.Unfortunately there is very little evidence about the exact location of these plague pits. Instead, to construct the map below we have had to use a variety of sources including Peter Ackroyd’s London: The Biography, Daniel Defoe’s A Journal of the Plague Year, Basil Holmes’ The London Burial Grounds: Notes on Their History From the Earliest Times to the Present Day, the internet, as well as help from our social media channels!
The map below is an ongoing project and we’re always in search of new sites, so if you know of any omissions then please let us know by using the contact form at the bottom of this page.
Overcrowded, dirty and awash with sewage… it’s hardly surprising that the bubonic plague flourished in the crowded streets of London. Over 15% of London’s population was wiped out between 1665 and 1666 alone, or some 100,000 people in the space of two years. But where did all these bodies go?
The answer: in tens, if not hundreds of plague pits scattered across the city and the surrounding countryside. The majority of these sites were originally in the grounds of churches, but as the body count grew and the graveyards became overcharged with dead, then dedicated pits were hastily constructed around the fields surrounding London.Unfortunately there is very little evidence about the exact location of these plague pits. Instead, to construct the map below we have had to use a variety of sources including Peter Ackroyd’s London: The Biography, Daniel Defoe’s A Journal of the Plague Year, Basil Holmes’ The London Burial Grounds: Notes on Their History From the Earliest Times to the Present Day, the internet, as well as help from our social media channels!
The map below is an ongoing project and we’re always in search of new sites, so if you know of any omissions then please let us know by using the contact form at the bottom of this page.
1. Did anyone see you in the mall?
2. I hope your friend didn't hear you scream.
3. A huge crowd watched the firemen saving a little kitty.
4. We could feel the sun on our face.
5. "Don't worry!" said the doctor. "I'll soon have you treated"
6. You must have been very late last night. I didn't even hear you come.
7. The pickpocket was observed by people.
8. High on the mountain, he could perceive three small figures in a snow.
9. I searched the desk, and discovered the letter from Bob.
10. The woman caught her husband cleaning the room.
11. Leave the car with me. l'll have it washed.
12. I was asked if I had noticed anyone across the street at 4p.m.
13. When his leg was examined, it was found to be broken.
14. Where's my umbrella? I thought I left it in your car.
15. Although the station was crowded, i soon spotted my friend talking to a man.
16. The assistant kept the customer waiting.
17. The iron's far too hot! Can't you smell the material burnt?
18. I hope they won't keep us waiting too long.
19. They found the survivors in a mountain cage.
20. We all suddenly sensed danger coming from the woods.