Greg Mulholland, MP for Leeds North West, has unveiled a new plaque in the centre of Otley.
The blue plaque can be found on The Bay Horse pub, in the Market Place, and gives locals and visitors a brief overview of the town’s remarkable history. The unveiling was attended by Mr Mulholland, John Morgan, Councillor Ryk Downes, Otley Town Mayor Councillor Pam Gill, and the volunteers who helped to compile the book, Otley- Past, Present and Future. The proceeds from the book helped to pay for the plaque.
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Commenting, Greg said:
“It was a great honour to be asked to unveil the plaque and it was a lovely occasion, Otley certainly has a rich and fascinating past.
“I would like to pay tribute to John Morgan, Jo Allen, the late Elise Brumfitt, and the team of volunteers for all their hard work and efforts in securing the plaque for the town and documenting the history of Otley. “Otley- Past, Present and Future” was compiled to commemorate the Jubilee in 1977, and then the second version of the book was published 25 years later to mark the 2002 Golden Jubilee. These books, with the aid of the plaque, provide a wonderful way to tell locals and visitors alike about the history of the town and key dates and events.”
Commenting, John Morgan who came up with the idea of creating a plaque to mark the 2012 Diamond Jubilee, said:
“We had some money left over and I thought a historical plaque for the town would be a good idea. So we set about getting it designed, getting it made and getting permission for where to put it in the Conservation Area, which took nearly two years.
“It outlines some of the main events and dates in the town to give visitors an idea of its past and how it expanded as a Victorian industrial and a market town.”
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