Details of the content and context of The OLHB. All entries are based on extensive private research files of the contributors.
Late Enclosure and the end of commons
Parliamentary Enclsoure in the late 18th century finally brought the commons to an end. This article reveals how the familiar straight walls of enclosure now divided up the remaining land.
John William Brown – ‘lost’ natural history
Whatever happened to John Wm. Brown's 'Natural History of Otley'? To rediscover his work on the areas flora be a natural revelation.
Early enclosure and the landed poor
Enclosure is a persistent theme in landscape history. This article details the local nature of encroachments, often contrary to a variety of 'pains' ultimately laid on behalf of the Archbishop of York.
Burley roman camp?
The supposed Roman temporary camp on land off Sun Lane in Burley is receiving plaudits of National Importance from the Secretary of State. This short article questions the elevation to the purple of an unfinished ditch and asks what it all means.
Hasling Ford – roads to nowhere
The Sandbeds at Farnley has probably been used more in the last 12 months than it has for generations. Previous access was valued for the use of the now lost ford at Hasling. This article details the history.
Chevin: ‘whetstone walls’
The stone-slab wall which runs along the steep slope of central Chevin, has become a familiar feature to hordes of lockdown walkers. This article explains the likely origin of this orthostatic field wall.
Clifton, oak-lore
Woods and underwoods have traditionally provided a multitude of resources from the landscape. Although one of the two ancient oaks at Clifton Rise below Wood Hill is now lost, we can say much about their earlier history and origin.
Weston Viking Cross
The 'Weston Viking' is a fantastic glimpse of the local conflict and consternation which must have engulfed Wharfedale during the Viking conquest. His later life as doorstop and object of museological veneration is outlined in this article.
Otter hunting on the Wharfe: 18th – 20th century
Naturalist's are naturally excited to see Otters emerging onto the Wharfe in February sunshine - but Lutra lutra often excited bloodier passions in Wharfedale history. This article details the persecution.
William Walker 1795-1871
This article details the extraordinary life of William Walker, printer and publisher of Otley, 1795-1851. Volumes of his work, ephemeral though it was, can now be found in collections worldwide and denote a special place in the history of early book trade emanating from Otley.
Bricks & brickmaking
Otley's architectural legacy in stone is well recorded - but the use of bricks in the local vernacular is less celebrated. This article details local brickmaking from the 17th to 20th century.
Future for the Past
Visions of the future from vaults of the past - what prophecy did the 1895 'Seer who Sees' foretell for the Otley of 1995?
Samuel Kerr, Schoolmaster
Samuel Hyslop Kerr moved to Otley in 1848 and began a scholastic career educating the towns emerging middle class lasting 38 years.
Riverside estate-village, Farnley
The Riverside housing estate near Otley has an unusual political genesis previously unknown. This article details the development.
Scotchmen
Nineteenth century Scottish migration to Otley was derived from Nithsdale near Dumfries. 'Scotchmen' brought tea, linen and woollen goods to the town - and reforming educational zeal.
Summercross stories
This article details the history of the Summercross pub in Otley. It reveals the origin of the name, shows the earlier landscape history and populates the place with market gardeners and landlords.
Original Oaks
The former Royal Oak inn on Clapgate has but little to do with Charles II. This article investigates the original roots of a tangled pub history.
Horse shoes & cow parks
The closure of the Horse and Farrier on Bridge Street in Otley marks a pandemic pause in a long history of generational inns, taverns, beer shops, barns and smithies. This article details the trade.
Black Horse heroes
The Black Horse pub went by the name of the Broken Dragoon for 27 years in the 18th century. What does this mean and was there any local evidence of former military tenancy?
Animal ancestors
Animals often appear in place names. This article details the local lexicography, from Badger Gate to Bustard Croft and Wolf Hole to Wrenbeck. Warren names, indicating rabbit keeping, occur at Farnley, Denton and Lindley - and there are probably more to be investigated.
