'Ello, Ello, Ello, What's All this Then?' 170 Years of Otley Police Force

Discover what life was like as a police officer in Otley from mid C19th. Learn about the individual officers and their families, including police work, accommodation and offices, stables, garages and dog pound, as well as leisure and sporting activities.
From 10.30 to 11.30 choose a crime and have your 'mug shot' and fingerprints taken exactly where this was done in 1960's.
From 11.30 to 13.00 find out what it was like to walk a day and night beat in Otley between the years 1956 to 1968. Using memories from our oral history project, you will walk round some of the Town Beat, whilst hearing memories and stories from those who walked it. Learn how the introduction of radios changed life for PCs. Duration just over 1 hour, distance just over 1 mile. Group size 15, booking essential.
From 14.00 listen to stirring tales of police exploits told by local storyteller Vickie Orton.
All day chat with local police officers and explore the Police vehicle in the courtyard.
All day Otley Museum display of everyday and home life of local Otley tradespeople, including tanners, candlefactory workers, butchers and ropemakers.
Guided tours of Victorian Superintendent's house, police station, cell block and law courts available throughout the day.

Timings

Saturday 19 September:

10.00 to 16.00

Location & directions

Otley Courthouse, Courthouse Street, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3AN

Directions:

Courthouse Street is 2 minutes from the Bus Station or Market Square. There are signs to the Courthouse. Buses are X84 or 34 from Leeds, X52 from Harrogate, X84 from Burley and Ilkley. Nearest train station Menston (2 miles, 34 bus is link). Parking on Courthouse Street car park or North Parade car park (pay and display).

Contact on day:

Hazel Costello

Telephone number:

+447979036192

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Booking required for Beat Walk. No booking required for other events or guided tours.

Booking contact name:

Abi James

Booking telephone number:

+441943467466

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://otleycourthouse.org.uk

Booking opens:

13 Jul 2026 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

16 Sep 2026 12:00 AM

Additional information

Max number of people:

15

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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