Otley Chevin: A Landscape History is a 61-page local history book written by Alastair Laurence, featuring illustrations by Roger Watkins and originally published in 2006. It explores the rich human and geological heritage of the 700-acre Chevin Forest Park, which overlooks the market town of Otley.
The book details thousands of years of human activity on the Chevin and examines local myths, legends, and mysteries. Key eras and subjects covered include:
Prehistoric Roots: Traces the discovery of ancient flint knives, scrapers, and arrowheads indicating early human presence on the ridge.
Iron Age & Roman: Discusses the settlement of early tribes on the wooded slopes and the proximity of Roman roads and camps in the Wharfe Valley.
Quarrying & Industry: Highlights how the Chevin was shaped by centuries of stone quarrying, which provided gritstone for local buildings and infrastructure.
Folklore & Vistas: Explores the local folklore attached to its rugged crags and the famous panoramic views across Wharfedale from spots like the Surprise View.
Otley Chevin: A Landscape History is a 61-page local history book written by Alastair Laurence, featuring illustrations by Roger Watkins and originally published in 2006. It explores the rich human and geological heritage of the 700-acre Chevin Forest Park, which overlooks the market town of Otley.
The book details thousands of years of human activity on the Chevin and examines local myths, legends, and mysteries. Key eras and subjects covered include:
Prehistoric Roots: Traces the discovery of ancient flint knives, scrapers, and arrowheads indicating early human presence on the ridge.
Iron Age & Roman: Discusses the settlement of early tribes on the wooded slopes and the proximity of Roman roads and camps in the Wharfe Valley.
Quarrying & Industry: Highlights how the Chevin was shaped by centuries of stone quarrying, which provided gritstone for local buildings and infrastructure.
Folklore & Vistas: Explores the local folklore attached to its rugged crags and the famous panoramic views across Wharfedale from spots like the Surprise View.
