Oker, Derbyshire Explained

Country:England
Static Image:Oker Hill.jpg
Dial Code:01629
Postcode District:DE4
Post Town:MATLOCK
Region:East Midlands
Map Type:Derbyshire
Coordinates:53.1449°N -1.5899°W
Shire County:Derbyshire
Shire District:Derbyshire Dales
Civil Parish:South Darley
Official Name:Oker
Label Position:left
Static Image Caption:Oker Hill

Oker is a hamlet in Derbyshire, located in South Darley parish, with groups of houses along two sides of Oker Hill. The houses are largely older limestone properties including several farms, but with some more recent semi-detached properties too. A former Methodist chapel has been converted to a holiday let.[1] [2]

A prominent tree, known as Will Shore’s Tree, on top of Oker Hill is renowned as the subject of a sonnet by William Wordsworth concerning two local lads who each planted a tree there before parting for ever:

'Tis said that to the brow of yon fair hill Two brother clomb; and turning face from face Nor one look more exchanging, grief to still Or feed, each planted on that lofty place A chosen tree. Then eager to fulfil Their courses, like two new-born rivers, they In opposite directions urged their way Down from the far-seen mount. No blast might kill Or blight that fond memorial. The trees grew And now entwine, their arms’ but ne’er again Embraced those brothers upon earth’s wide plain, Nor aught of mutual joy or sorrow knew Until their spirits mingled in the sea That to itself takes all – Eternity.

The parish church is St Mary the Virgin in the Cross Green area of Darley Bridge,[3] located opposite South Darley Church of England Primary School.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Matlock, Oker & Darley Bridge - Things To Do in The Peak District and Derbyshire. 2021-10-09. Visit Peak District. en-GB.
  2. Web site: Oker. 2021-10-09. Peak District Online.
  3. Web site: Stuff. Good. Church of St Mary, Matlock, Derbyshire. 2020-12-23. britishlistedbuildings.co.uk.