Otley - The Black Bull

The early development of Otley dates back largely to Saxon times. It was part of an extensive estate that King Athelstan transferred to the Bishopric of York. The Archbishops of York owned a residence and were the lords of the manor. After the Norman Conquest, the Saxon church was replaced by a Norman church.

The town grew in the first half of the 13th century when the archbishops granted free plots of land to attract merchants and craftsmen. The market, which already existed back then, is still held weekly today.

The Battle of Marston Moor was fought on 2 July 1644. The combined forces of the English Parliamentarians and the Scottish Covenanters defeated the Royalists.