Oker, Derbyshire

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]

Oker
Oker Hill
Oker Location within Derbyshire
Civil parish	South Darley
District	Derbyshire Dales
Shire county	Derbyshire
Region	East Midlands
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	MATLOCK
Dialling code	01629
Police	Derbyshire
Fire	Derbyshire
Ambulance	East Midlands
List of places UK England Derbyshire 53°08′42″N 1°35′24″W / 53.1449°N 1.5899°W / 53.1449; -1.5899

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.