Jubliee Clock

The Jubilee Clock in Otley (Leeds) is a freestanding clock tower in Market Place, the central square of the market town of Otley, West Yorkshire. It was raised in the late 1880s to mark a jubilee of Queen Victoria's reign, and it is now a Grade II listed structure, entered on the National Heritage List for England in 1974.

What will you see?

A stone tower topped with an ornamental wrought-iron crown carries clock faces on all four sides, so you can read the time from anywhere on the square. The stone base holds a doorway and a drinking trough. The tower is thought to stand on the site of Otley's old market cross, where trading went on for centuries.

Several plaques are fixed to it. One remembers local men lost in the Transvaal War, another thanks the people of Otley for welcoming Belgian refugees during the First World War, and a 2005 dedication recalls local suffering in the Second World War. The cast-iron casing was taken down and fully restored in 2005.

Why is it listed?

Historic England treats the clock as part of a group with the neighbouring Butter Cross and Nos. 30 to 40 (even) Market Place, which together form the historic heart of the square. The clock was paid for by public subscription, which says plenty about local pride in the occasion. Sources differ on the date, giving either 1887 or 1888.

How do you get there?

Otley lies in the Wharfe valley about 15 km north of Leeds city centre. Buses run from Leeds Bus Station to Otley, and the stops are a few minutes' walk from Market Place. By car the trip usually takes 30 to 40 minutes, though town-centre parking can fill up, especially on market days. The clock stands in an open public square, so it can be viewed at any hour with no ticket.

When should you visit?

Market days are the liveliest time, when the square is busy (check the local tourist information for current market days). The clock is a short stop of roughly 10 to 15 minutes. Pair it with a stroll around the town, its pubs and independent shops, and a walk up the Chevin.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee? No. The clock stands in a public square and can be seen from outside at any time. The inside of the tower is not open to visitors.

Is this the Leeds clock or another one nearby? Several jubilee clocks stand around Leeds. This one is in Market Place, Otley (about 53.905 N, 1.694 W).

Is the tower protected? Yes. It has been Grade II listed on the National Heritage List for England since 1974.

What else is close by? The Butter Cross stands in Market Place, and the square is lined with historic stone buildings.