Ockbrook, A Settlement of the United Brethren near Derby

Book Description

c. 1822. Hand-coloured aquatint. Printed on wove paper. In excellent condition. Trimmed to plate mark on sides and bottom margin. Image size: 11 15/16 x 17 5/8 inches. 14 x 19 inches. A fascinating view of the United Brethren settlement of Ockbrook outside Derby, by the celebrated topographical engraver R. G. Reeve. The Moravians were a Protestant sect from Moravia who came to be known as the "Church of the Brotherhood" or "The United Brethren." The movement began with the martyr Jan Hus in the 15th century. They took an active part in the evangelical revival in England during the 18th century, and were closely associated for a time with John Wesley. In the 18th century, some congregations were established as Settlements, where Moravians might live and follow their private vocation as members of a disciplined Christian Brotherhood. Ockbrook was one of these Settlements. A society was formed around 1750 near Derby by Ock Brook, and it grew from that. The settlement was self-contained and self-governed, with its own cottage industries: shoemaking and glovemaking among others. There were community houses for sisters and brethren, who applied themselves to the varied work of the settlement. Very soon there were schools, and the girls' school is still in existence. The image itself is a wonderful 19th century pastoral view of the red brick Georgian buildings that constituted the settlement. The late afternoon sunlight and the peaceful cows in the foreground establish an air of serenity and imply harmonious relations between brethren, nature and God.

Not sure what some of these terms mean? Look it up in our glossary.