Okeover in 1868

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer (1868)]

"OKEOVER, (or Oakover), a parish in the N. division of the hundred of Totmonslow, county Stafford, 2 miles W. by N. of Ashbourne. This parish, which is very small and wholly agricultural, is situated on the river Dove. It is a meet for Mr. Yates's harriers. The living is a donative curacy in the diocese of Lichfield, value £20.

The church, dedicated to All Saints, is a small ancient structure, completely overgrown with ivy, eglantine, and roses. It contains a triple canopied brass, bearing date 1520, to one of the Oakovers. The charities consist of a share with Mappleton. There is a square entrenchment, supposed to be Roman, and several tumuli.

Oakover House, situated in a well-wooded park, was rebuilt on the site of the former mansion, and has for many generations been the seat of the Oakover family. It contains a picture gallery, where is preserved the "Holy Family," by Raphael, which was hidden under the floor during the parliamentary war in the reign of Charles I.; the "Magi at the Tomb," by C. Dolci; the "Unjust Steward," by Rubens, and other paintings by Titian, Vandervelde, and others.

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868) - Transcribed by Colin Hinson ©2003]