Otley Parish Church
Kirkgate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3HW
Otley Parish Church has parts dating from the 11th century and is the oldest building in the town. In particular, there is a display of our Anglian cross pieces which show that Christian Worship has taken place here for at least 1,300 years. The Evangelists Cross, dating from the 8th century, has been described as 'one of the finest monuments surviving from pre-Viking Northumbria’. The Dragon Cross, dating from the early 9th century, it has been said that ‘it is impossible to parallel the rampant creatures on the two faces elsewhere in Anglo-Saxon sculpture. There are fantastic beasts in plenty but rarely rendered so solidly, in such relief and on so large a scale.’
At 1100 and repeated at 1400, there will be 'The Story of Otley Parish Church in 25 Objects - a guided tour and talk.'
The impressive, Grade II listed, Navvies’ Memorial in the churchyard will be open for visits. This is a memorial to those who died during the construction of the Bramhope Tunnel and a display inside the church tells more of the story - produced by the Otley Conservation Task Force. Accompanied children are welcome, with self-guided heritage trails available for both them and adults. There will be a display of historical documents and rolling slide presentations, giving detail about the church's stained glass windows and a virtual tower tour.
Kirkgate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3HW
The sloping path from Kirkgate leads to the north door of the church which provides level access into the building. The main body of the church is fully accessible.