OKER, where
the famous story of the two Shore brothers Will and Peter originated.
Peter
decided to make his fortune
overseas, and before he departed
he and his brother each planted a sycamore tree on Oker Hill. One of the
stories says that they intended to use the wood from the trees for their
coffins. Sadly Peter soon died after his departure for foreign lands. His tree
also died, but Will's still stands.
However new
trees have since been planted on the hill.
A view of Oker tree today
William
Wordsworth related the circumstances in the following lines:
"Tis
said to the brow of yon fair hill
Two brothers
climbed, and turning face to face
Not one more
look exchanging, grief to still
Or feed,
each planted on that lofty place
A chosen
tree: then eager to fulfil
Their
course, like two new-born rivers they
In opposite
direction 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
these 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."
Again
relating to "Croston's On Foot through the Peak" the mound of Oker
Hill is said to be the site of an intrenched fort or station erected by the Roman legions to overawe the disaffected locals whom they had driven from the
neighbouring lead mines. Some indications of these intrenchments may still be
traced on the top of the hill
To this fortress
or station the Romans
gave the name of "OCCURSUS" or the Hill of Conflict of which the
present name Oker is merely a corruption.
"Adams
Gem of the Peak'1 talks of "Silver
coins and warlike
instruments found on these ancient platforms of their legion."