Details of the content and context of The OLHB. All entries are based on extensive private research files of the contributors.
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.
Farnley archives: a current profile 2020
The Farnley estate and manorial archives are remarkable. This article seeks to show their current provenance and historical profile in 2020.
Captain P.C. Preston of Lumsden’s Horse.
This note on the Boer War service of Capt. Preston, late of Flasby Hall near Gargrave, was prepared for publication in 2018.
Hawksworth Moor rifle range
The disused rifle range on Hawksworth Moor provides enigmatic access to the military history of Wharfedale from Volunteer movement to the Korean War.
‘Fair Game’: hunting, shooting and poaching
This article details the 'long affray' between hunters/hunted and keepers/poachers. Beasts of chase, park and common are considered in this illuminating article.
Turner at Farnley Hall
Walter Fawkes was the benevolent patron of J.M.W. Turner at Farnley Hall, 1808-24. This article details Turner's Wharfedale and Washburn work in light of the recent 'Northern Exposure' exhibition at the Mercer gallery in Harrogate.
Farnley Camp in the Second World War
These notes accompany a talk given by the author to Otley Archaeological and Historical Society on 12th December 2019.
Otley flood scheme
The plan for Otley's flood scheme creates a parallel history not recognised by this Bulletin. In a constructive attempt at clarity, this new article brings some archaeological reality to the proceedings.
The Newall bones: postscript
The Newall assemblage clearly indicates that further faunal remains await discovery in the alluvial washlands of Wharfedale. The East of Otley development and Flood Relief Scheme could both encounter this prehistoric material.
Allotment archaeology
A single small allotment plot in Otley can often turn up significant amounts of medieval pottery. This record of material from Plot 31 at Tempest allotments shows the range of small finds available.
The Newall bones part III
The final part of our 'bones diary' ends with an invitation to further, public, scientifc investigation of the Newall material.
