Out walking the countryside you get a good view of this small hill called Downham Hill. It is also known locally as 'Smallpox Hill' because of the smallpox isolation hospital that stood on the top of the hill many years ago. It is believed to have been one of the earliest isolation hospitals in England and was used by Edward Jenner who invented the vaccine that cured the smallpox disease.
Masonry from the buildings remains visible at the site. Also near the summit of the hill lie the remains of an ancient tower-like cottage built in the reign of King Edward III, around the time of the Black Death.
It's a good climb to the top which I have done and the views are fantastic, unfortunately my health has put a stop to that today. View with the dark surround and thanks for all your comments yesterday, always appreciated.
How interesting about the smallpox hospital! They certainly kept the sufferers well out of the way up there! Good for Edward Jenner too! Rather a beautiful place to be associated with such a dreadful illness!
