Okeover in 1817

Description from A Topographical History of Staffordshire by William Pitt (1817)

OKEOVER.

Okeover is a small parish, situated on the west bank of the Dove, northward of the road from Leek to Ashbourne. It contains 10 houses, 10 families; 33 males, 27 females: total of inhabitants 60.

This parish is remarkable for the barrows of Hallsteds and Arbour Closes, being deep square entrenchments of stone, and supposed by antiquaries to have been formed by the Romans.

Okeover-Hall, the elegant residence of Haughton Farmer Okeover, Esq. is a magnificent mansion of brick and stone, with an Ionic portico in the centre, consisting of two columns and two pilasters, with two wings. The principal front is towards the deer park, where herds of deer quietly graze, or repose at will.

The hall and dining-room belonging to this mansion are adorned with several excellent paintings, particularly the Holy Family, by Urbino, valued at 1500 guineas; the Magi at the Tomb of Christ, with an Angel sitting upon it, by Carlo Dolci; Christ bearing the Cross, by Titian; the Unjust Steward, by Rubens; the Baptism, by Titian; a Venus, by the same artist; St. Paul, by Rubens; and several others.

The situation of Okeover-hall is peculiarly delightful, with a lawn in front, and flourishing trees on the eminences; the Dove and its fertile banks in view; and a neat Gothic church within a few yards of the principal entrance.

The exterior of the Church, which is built of stone, is truly picturesque and agreeable. Its Gothic east window, with ivy climbing on each side; its wall, with neat battlements, and the roof covered with lead; and its handsome square tower, with four pinnacles, and a light vane rising in the centre, present a variety of pleasing objects. The interior harmonizes with its exterior, combining convenience with elegance. It is small; the pews and reading desk are painted; the communion-table is of marble; and an organ, adorned with carved wood in mahogany, harmonizes with the simplicity of the whole.

There are two monuments of the Okeover family in the chancel; the inscription on one of them is partly defaced, but the other bears the date of 1524.

On a mural monument of white marble, an angel is represented as extinguishing the torch of life with the left hand, while the left arm rests upon an urn. The right hand holds a serpent, in a circle, with the tail in the mouth, emblematic of eternity; underneath is the following inscription:

"Sacred to the memory of Mary, the wife of Leak Okeover, Esq
near 40 years the daughter of John Nicholls, Esq.
She left this life Jan. 30, 1764, aged 63 years.
So clear a reason, so refin'd a sense,
Such virtue, such religious confidence;
Manners so easy, and a mind so even,
On earth must needs anticipate a heaven!

Her husband soon followed, Jan. 31,1765, aged 60 years.
Thrice happy pair! in mutual love so tied,
Whom death but for a moment could divide!
Knowing this world is not our proper home,
Their wish was for that happier world to come."

There is another mural monument of white marble, behind the reading desk. It represents an urn, with the crest of the family above it, the arms below, and the following inscription: "Sacred to the remains of E. W. Okeover, Esq. who died 30th of June, 1793, in the 41st year of his age. He knew no happiness equal to that of conferring it upon others; and the many good qualities of his heart, will never be forgotten, and can only be estimated by those who were best acquainted with him." The church is dedicated to All Saints.

One of the ancestors of the present proprietor of Okeover-hall and manor, left an estate at Atlow, in Derbyshire, the rent of which is appropriated to the support of three clergymen's widows, each of whom receives £30 per annum, and have a house rent-free, near the family-mansion. He also left an annuity to support an organist in Okeover church, and money to provide clothing for twelve children in the parishes of Okeover, Atlow, Mappleton, and the hamlet of Swinescote, in Staffordshire, and to place them, in rotation, as apprentices, with a premium.