Nostalgic memories of Otley's local history

Share your own memories of Otley and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

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It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin

Displaying all 7 Memories

Hello, I was regularly sent to stay with my Aunty Rene Hunter who lived on the Crossways in Otley in the 60s. I have many great memories of the summer months here. I made friends who i have never met again since, and i often wonder what happened to them., Names like Ian Hughes,from a large family, and Elaine,who lived at 3 the Oval. Wharfedale park, the Wear, walking up Prince Henry rd that seemed to go on for ever. Happy days. Chris
I arrived in Otley in October 1947 as a member of R.E.M.E. My recollection is vague, as I was only there for two or three weeks in what was known as a Holding and Mobilizing camp for troops prior to, or returning from, overseas. The camp was on the side of a hill in Nissen (not Nissan) huts which were bitterly cold and we slept with our uniforms on. While waiting for reassignment, our days consisted of parading on the ...see more
I was born in Otley hospital as were most from Guiseley and all around. In 1969 I was posted there as a police officer and stayed until 1974. My daughter was born there in 1972 and my dad died there on his 81st birthday. I know every alleyway and every warm heating outlet at 2am... and of course the doughnut bakery down Bridge Street. Last night I found that my two Sergeants died in the 1990s and life is going ...see more
Ha ha, I remember them times!.. As I remember you, Sharon. We have a page going on Facebook at the moment, talking about old memories and buildings that have gone, but are not forgotten.
The memory relates to one of at the year mentioned of a teenage secret shared with only a selected few, whom are long lost good school friends who I can recall enjoyed the secret night-time swimming in the outdoor pool. As innocent as we were then, I'm so glad we never got caught, as I'm sure most others maybe wouldn't have found our night-time swims quite as innocent at all,. I do wonder why. Does ...see more
It's not really memory but a request. I come from Bedlington in Northumberland and have found out my grandfather was born in Otley on 24/03/1901. He was born in 16 Burras Lane. Today I visited with only this scant information and I was fortunate to see it was still as least a street but the house gone, although the church closeby was more than beautiful. Does anyone have any pics of the houses on that lane? Or memories of them ?
I'd visited Otley the town in the 1960s, walking and rockclimbing as a lad of 18 /20 with friends I met at work in the woollen mills of Bradford and Shipley. My first memory is of looking down from the Chevin to this beautiful view of Otley. My new girlfriend Rosemary Finn and I had walked from Yeadon one summer evening 1958/9. We were both 16 year olds and enthralled with the view. In 2005 I again visited Otley and ...see more