| Description | Finds in 1888, at a depth (reportedly) of 8' from the surface, of a number of Roman coins dating from AD 117 138 (Hadrian) to AD 248 50 (Decius) together with human bones, Roman pottery, flints and charcoal. Six of the coins were in Olicana museum, Ilkley (1961).
Finds interpreted by Speight (Upper Wharfedale, p.29) as a Roman burial. In view of the find spot this must be open to some doubt. Finds are variously said to have been made in the churchyard and at the south end of W. Walker and sons, Victoria Works near Otley church and, in the case of the six coins in Ilkley Museum, when digging the foundations of the offices of the Ilkley Free Press. The second description makes it possible that the find spot is in the north side of Otley churchyard. Other Roman material (PRNs 1409, 1410) found between here and the river may suggest a site in the immediate vicinity |