Origin of Name

The hamlet of Stoke, originally known as "Brook Green", was given the name it bears today by William Songer, who arrived in Nelson in November, 1841, as personal attendant to Captain Wakefield. Mr Songer was Stoke's first settler and he named the place after his native Stoke-by-Nayland in England. (The Rev. C. M. Torlesse preached the farewell sermon to the Expedition. He was Rector of Stoke-by-Nayland and later sent out a bell for the church.)