The kitchens of the ancient mansion were built by Archbishop Bower, who consumed at Otley some portion of the four-score tubs of claret, with a proportionate quantity of the other elements of hospitality, which he is said to have annually expended. The Parish of Otley contains 10,163 inhabitants, and comprises twelve townships lying in the Wapentakes of Claro and Skyrack. Otley township is in the latter division, and contains 2310 acres of land, and 3161 inhabitants, who, in 1801, only amounted to 2332. Formerly the woollen trade prevailed at Otley to some extent. The market held every Friday, has existed more than nine centuries, and is one of the best in the county, being extensively supplied with corn, cattle, sheep, and calves.
Every alternate market assumes the character of a fortnight cattle fair.
A large fair for cattle and pleasure, is held on the Monday after August 2nd, being the day after Otley feast. In addition to these fairs, a considerable show, under the patronage of the Wharf-dale Agricultural Society, is held here in April, when, among other exhibitions, there are interesting ploughing matches. The river Wharf, which is here crossed by a good bridge of seven arches, abound with smelts, trout and eels, and sometimes salmon are found in it. Otley has at different periods suffered from the overflowing of this river, but the most considerable inundation on record was in 1673. The Church, dedicated to all Saints, is a spacious fabric, which has been so frequently altered and repaired, that it retains none of its original Saxon features, except the plain circular arch of the north door.