The UK features a scattering of diminutive, now-empty communities that were permitted to decay. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Comments
Across the English landscape lie the remnants of small settlements, once afflicted by disease, starvation, and shifts in the economy. A prime illustration is Wharram Percy in the Yorkshire Wolds, among the most expansive and well-kept of Britain’s roughly 3,000 documented deserted medieval villages. Specialists suggest it is also undeniably the most renowned. Inhabited continuously for approximately 600 years, it was deserted by the early 16th century following progressive desertion and forced removals. It was established in the 9th or 10th century and prospered between the 12th and early 14th centuries.
During this period, members of the aristocratic Percy family – lords of Wharram – dwelled in the village. A dilapidated church serves as the only remaining structure from that era. Historic England states: “For more than 60 years, archaeologists have pioneered innovative methods here to comprehend the nature of existence within the village and the reasons for its eventual abandonment.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
READ MORE: ‘Masterpiece’ WW2 drama hailed ‘incredible’ as viewers urge everyone to watch
READ MORE: ‘I visited a pretty fishing village with sea views and a beautiful beach’
The day’s biggest headlines in UK and World news Subscribe Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Get More of Our News on Google
Set Daily Express as a ‘Preferred Source’ to get quicker access to the news you value.
“Situated on the slope of a secluded and picturesque valley in the Yorkshire Wolds, the village was inhabited without interruption for six centuries before its abandonment shortly after 1500.
“Currently, one can discern the outlines of numerous vanished residences on a grassy plain above the considerable remains of the church and the millpond.”
Medieval history aficionado trowellanderror toured Wharram Percy, characterizing it as “England’s most well-known and best-preserved abandoned medieval village”.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
They noted that the village’s inhabitants were among the pioneers in believing in what we now term “zombies”.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
The apprehension of “revenants,” the restless dead, was prevalent during that time.
The community took steps to guarantee their deceased relatives did not return, and archaeological findings exhibit indications of decapitation and incineration.
View this post on Instagram
trowellanderror penned alongside their video: “Located just under an hour’s journey from York (20 minutes from Malton), the village furnishes significant understanding into medieval existence in England, owing to its preserved in situ condition – a unique occurrence in medieval parishes – as the majority of the approximately 3,000 deserted medieval villages in the nation have been built upon, and their remnants are either no longer reachable or have been utterly obliterated.
“I resolved to delve further into the archaeological diggings that transpired at the location through a collaboration between Historic England and the University of Southampton, and suffice it to say that zombies were not on my list of conclusions.”