Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > Oxford
Filling a mass grave at night during the Plague of London, c1665
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Filling a mass grave at night during the Plague of London, c1665
Filling a mass grave at night during the Plague of London, c 1665. Showing a group of men with torches in a churchyard, preparing to empty the contents of a covered cart into an open grave. The Plague, also known as the Black Death, was a disease caused by Yersinia Pestis, an infection carried by fleas living as parasites on rats. The Plague hit London in late 1664, having ravaged Holland the previous year, and killed around 100, 000 people in and around the city. The dead were collected at night and thrown into common burial graves
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 14863457
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Black Death Bubonic Plague Cart Disease Grave Grave Digger Graveyard Lantern Oxford Science Archive Plague Plague Of London Spade
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Insects
> Fleas
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Oxford
EDITORS COMMENTS
Caption: "A haunting scene unfolds under the cover of darkness during the Plague of London in 1665. In this chilling photo print, a group of men illuminated by torchlight gather in a churchyard to fulfill their grim duty - filling a mass grave. The Black Death, caused by Yersinia Pestis carried by fleas on rats, had already devastated Holland before reaching London. With an estimated death toll of around 100,000 people in and around the city, desperate measures were taken to dispose of the deceased. In this somber image captured from history, we witness these brave individuals preparing to empty the contents of a covered cart into an open grave. Their faces hidden beneath flickering shadows cast by lanterns and torches, they carry out their morbid task with solemnity and determination. The significance of religion is evident as this macabre scene takes place within a churchyard. These men are not only fulfilling their occupational duties but also performing a religious duty to ensure proper burial for those lost to the devastating disease. This monochrome photograph serves as a stark reminder of one of humanity's darkest chapters - when death was rampant and communities were forced to confront unimaginable loss head-on. It stands as both an eerie testament to human resilience and an enduring symbol of our collective ability to overcome even the most harrowing challenges. "
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
