FOR walkers and visitors to Otley’s pretty market town the Chevin embraces many sights to behold.

The iconic vantage stretching out over rambling scenery has been enjoyed, and continues to be so, by generations.

Now, the pleasure has been compiled into a very interesting and informative book charting the history of its ever-changing landscape.

Written by Alastair Laurence, and featuring black and white illustrations by Roger Watkins, Otley Chevin A Landscape History is the 10th anniversary edition of a previous version published in 2006.

This latest book, which follows a long list of history books written by Dr Laurence over the years, features additional information not included in its initial publication.

Designed as a book for walkers, it Dr Laurence’s interesting tome literally takes readers on a journey of discovery through this historical fact-file, explains how the landscape around Otley was shaped over the years by the custodians and landlords whose decisions impacted on the scenery we see today.

Among those, were the likes of the Hustlers, whose immense wealth was accumulated as staplers and merchants within the woollen and worsted trade.

This family of Quaker philanthropists included John Hustler, from Bradford, whose interest in Carlton, and his determination to become the landlord of the whole township, led to purchases between 1823 and 1831 which indicated his attempt at a “landlording monopoly”.

In fact, Hustler began “an ambitious programme of woodland planting in all corners of the township”, dramatically transforming the landscape character of both West and East Carlton with what had been the West Moor being extensively planted out to become the huge Yorkgate Plantation.

Another notable name associated with doing good for the town was Sam Chippindale, . “Chippendale” is a name synonymous with beautifully created furniture and the book talks of Sam being connected in some way to the 18th century furniture designer, although, interestingly, their surnames appear to be spelt differently.

Readers learn that After becoming a multi-millionaire from his pioneering development of “indoor” shopping precincts – the well-known Arndale Centres – Sam wanted the people of Otley to benefit from his fortune and set up a charitable trust.

As well as giving £80,000 to his old school, Prince Henry’s Grammar, to pay for half the cost of a new indoor swimming pool, he also sold Chevin Top and two adjoining areas to Leeds City Council, affording the public the opportunity of enjoying the appropriately-christened “Surprise View”.

Other notable names helping to shape the history of Otley include Wakefield merchant Thomas Cave, whose benevolence led to the establishment of Prince Henry’s Grammar School in 1608, and Elizabeth Redman and Sybilla Ryther, co-heirs of the Barony of Harewood.

Dr Laurence’s book is packed with interesting information; it talks of the buildings integral to its history such as Carlton workhouse and the educational establishments such as Hustler’s School 1830 which later became St Bartholomew’s Church. An interesting reference to the delvers extracting clay for the manufacture of tobacco pipes by the 17th century is also included; the clay was sold at four pence per square yard and transported directly to Knaresborough – the one-time centre of clay pipe making.

And landmarks such as the “old milestone” – at the junction between the road to Yeadon and the road to Guiseley identified on the earliest Ordnance Survey maps which may have been a Roman milestone, but later removed towards the end of the 19th century as it was in the middle of the road.

It’s well worth a read.

Sally Clifford

l Otley Chevin A Landscape History by Alastair Laurence is available from Just Books in Manor Square, Bondgate Bakeries and from pubs and cafes on Otley Chevin.