Lost love of Rowland Torre and Emmott Sydall
A story of heartbreak concerning Emmott Sydall and Rowland Torre, separated from one another when the village of Eyam quarantined itself during an outbreak of the Plague, meeting daily at a distance they would shout to eachother until one day when all fell silent.
Cucklett Delf is a picturesque dale between the village of Eyam and Stoney Middleton and represents a story of heartbreak concerning Emmott Sydall and Rowland Torre. Emmott was a young girl of about twenty two who was betrothed to Rowland Torre from Stoney Middleton. Emmott lived in a cottage across from Mary Cooper’s house where the Plague started. Her father John Syddall and four of her siblings were among the first victims of the disease.
At first Rowland would visit Emmott in the village, but when they realised this was too dangerous, the lovers would arrange to meet secretly but at a distance minimalizing any risk of Rowland catching the disease. It is suggested that the two would only have looked at each other from a distance, and in silence, lest their plan should be discovered. When Emmott stopped appearing towards the end of April 1666, Rowland continued to go to their meeting place, with hope that against all odds, she might still show up. He was one of the first people to re-enter the village when it was pronounced safe towards the end of 1666, but was soon told the worst; Emmott Syddall had died in the April.
I was wondering could I have been related to emmott Syddall I’m fascinated with this story and hoping to visit the village soon
We look forward to seeing you, the village is very welcoming to visitors. Keep us posted if you discover any connection to Emmott.
I am writing a piece for the Derbyshire magazine, Reflections about the lovers. I was wondering whether you ever found a family link, Andrea? If so, would you be interested in being included in the piece?
Thanks
Tracy
I’m related to Emmott. My cousin Steve Syddell did a family tree and proved that my family were decendants. My mum has the paperwork.
I remember that story from when we visited Eyam a few years ago. It’s a very moving story. We also walked across the fields to where the stone is where they left food for the villagers. The indentation for the money soaked in vinegar still there.
Hi Andrea, I’m a decendant of Emmott. It would be great to see if we are related
Thank you I certainly will
I am actually related to Rowland Torre! I have visited the village many times and most of my ancestors died because of the Black Death.
Hi George,
I am writing a piece for the Derbyshire magazine, Reflections, about the lovers. Would you be interested in being included in the piece?
Thanks
Tracy
Did Rowland ever marry?
There’s an entry in Tideswell parish register of 1689, of a Rowland Torre and Maria Mellor, followed the next year by a christening of Martha, daughter of Rowland Torr, of Tideswell. If this is the Rowland who was betrothed to Emmott, he would have been nearly 50 when he married , so probably unlikely. Legend says that he never married but does anyone know for sure?? Where and when did he die? If it was Stoney Middleton, he isn’t the one in Tideswell.
Emmett SyDall actually died on my birthday – the 29th of April.
I’m very distantly related to the Hancock Family who are buried in the Riley Graves on my Mother’s side, but I haven’t ever gone to see the Graves as I dont find it respectful to step on Gravesites
My 5 x Great Grand Father, Gulielum Torr (1660-1731), was born in Great Longstone, Derbyshire and lived in Brassington, Derbyshire marrying Mary Walker of that village. Aware of the story of Emmott Sydall of Eyam and Rowland Torre ofStoney Middleton and knowing that Stoney Middleton lis a neighbouring village to Great Longstone, I wondered if Rowland Toore and Gulielum Torr were related.
I am overwhelmed to find the Emmot and Rowland love story. It remins me of John Keats Ode on a Grecian Urn, the lover is chasing his beloved .Keats envy for the lover is beauty. I too feel envy.
I remember that story from when we visited Eyam a few years ago. It’s a very moving story. We also walked across the fields to where the stone is where they left food for the villagers. The indentation for the money soaked in vinegar still there.
sad story ;-;