Okehampton has been greeting visitors for over 2000 years. Some were invaders rather than visitors! The area was initially settled in the Bronze Age, extensive evidence of which can still be found on the slopes of surrounding moorland. Saxon rule came in the 7th century; the name 'Ocmundtune', meaning settlement by the Ockement, is first recorded in AD 980 as a place where slaves were freed at a cross-roads so they could choose their own destiny. The Saxon settlement was probably built up around the parish church, which still stands over half a mile from the modern town.
Sydney Simmons -
The man behind Simmons Park
By Paul Rendell
The grand opening of Simmons Park in Okehampton took place in 1907 but it was going to be called Simmons Dale or Valeby the man who gave the land to the people of the town. Who was this man? Sydney Simmons was born on 10th September 1840 in Okehampton. His parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Simmons had for 20 years run a printing and stationery business at no 3 West Street, which is now the Information Centre in the Museum Courtyard.
The man behind Simmons Park
By Paul Rendell
The grand opening of Simmons Park in Okehampton took place in 1907 but it was going to be called Simmons Dale or Valeby the man who gave the land to the people of the town. Who was this man? Sydney Simmons was born on 10th September 1840 in Okehampton. His parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Simmons had for 20 years run a printing and stationery business at no 3 West Street, which is now the Information Centre in the Museum Courtyard.
Okement Rivers Improvement Group
This group meets on the last Saturday in each month to clear rubbish from the rivers and litter from the river banks and carry out light coppicing and brush clearance along riverside walks. If you would like to become part of this very friendly group please contact Christine Marsh on 01837 52350 for further details.
This group meets on the last Saturday in each month to clear rubbish from the rivers and litter from the river banks and carry out light coppicing and brush clearance along riverside walks. If you would like to become part of this very friendly group please contact Christine Marsh on 01837 52350 for further details.