Epidemic: The Great Plague

Today, science can easily explain the causes and control of illnesses. But in 1665, Londoners who suddenly developed horrific symptoms, including sores and grotesque bodily swellings, had no way of knowing what was going on. Medic Xand van Tulleken, archaeologist Raksha Dave and journalist John Sergeant trace the Great Plague epidemic back to its source and discover how the populous reacted to it.

The curious parallels between the bubonic plague outbreak of 1665 and the coronavirus crisis continue. Medic Xand van Tulleken discovers the sacrifices made by the rudimentary health professionals in London trying to cope with this terrifying epidemic. While journalist John Sergeant explores the clothing of the day to understand why the plague affected the poor far more than the rich.

The cruelty and gruesome reality of 1665’s bubonic plague outbreak are revealed as journalist John Sergeant comes face to face with sinister medical instruments used to treat the afflicted. Medic Xand van Tulleken hears of one village that sacrificed themselves to save others while archaeologist Raksha Dave tries 17th-century disinfection methods that could be just as effective today.