Plague during the English Civil Wars and the Great Plague of 1665

The Great Plague of 1665 was a terrible epidemic that killed tens of thousands of people. It was particularly severe in London but many other towns suffered too. However, plague had been common throughout this period, including during the English Civil Wars. In fact, plague and other epidemic diseases were a common problem during the Civil Wars. Diseases spread quickly in the cramped conditions in military camps and the towns where troops were stationed, which armies carried with them when they marched to new places. Watch the video to learn more about the impact of the plague on one family during the Civil Wars.

Video copyright of the National Civil War Centre, Newark. Used by permission. Not for re-use.