Welcome from us…..
The last few years have been life changing for all of us through the darkest of times, it has changed the way we live and for many the way we think about our lives. As a teacher of 20 years in Tunbridge Wells living the last 11 years actually in Tunbridge Wells, welcoming my two children into the world and making long lasting connections in the South to now being in Eyam.
Durning the pandemic we realised that a challenge and a change was needed, being closer to family was imperative and living a life that fulfilled both myself and my husband in a way we never could have imagined was possible. This is how we have became the very proud owners of Top Riley and all that it is and all that it will become.
We live in the main house and love welcoming our guests. We are on hand for anything our guests need to make sure their holiday is exactly what it should be; a break, time out, a breath of fresh air. We know those that visit whether it is for a day or for two weeks will leave with magical memories. Enjoy the website and please contact us if you would like anymore information.
Emma, Mano and our girls
History
Top Riley house was built in 1790 and used as a dairy farm, with the milking sheds being transformed into the stunning holiday cottages in 2008. The house has been through numerous owners but not much has changed from the views the very first owners would have had in 1790. The historical and very popular Riley Graves is a five minute walk from Top Riley. Elizabeth Hancock who lived in the area and as a family worked the land lived through the tragic events of the plague as it hit Eyam. She went on to bury her 5 children and her husband in the space of a week. The graves allow for that quiet reflection knowing that it was created by the strength of a mother who was physically and mentally suffering such sadness.
In the top fields adjacent to Top Riley there is lots of history of lead mining. In the 1700’s the miners were making £3000 a month from the lead they were getting from the ground. Before this there is evidence that the Romans mined this land for lead. From the lead the Romans would take the silver and create coins and tableware.
20 minute walk into the village, opposite the playing fields
https://www.eyam-museum.org.uk/visit-us
Eyam Museum aims to open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 with last admission at 15:15. The museum closes at 16:00. It is advisable to pre book tickets on the website. The museum will give you a real insight into the history of Eyam and the details of the plague through detailed local accounts of how it spread, who died and who survived.
