St Oswald’s Church, Leathley

St Oswald’s Church at Leathley, near Otley, has a remarkable Norman tower which later generations thankfully determined to leave alone, resisting the urge to decorate, enlarge or improve. I could not gain entry but the externals were reward enough. Close by are two other ancient features, each with very opposite purposes.

The first is a set of stone steps from which gentlefolk could mount their horses after divine service with minimal chances of sliding off or failing to reach. It helped them to ascend. The other is a set of stocks, below, a place of punishment usually bestowed on members of the lower orders for whatever misdemeanours the Justices determined as commensurate. Legs or arms fastened into the holes, one would sit there for the day, uncomfortably, while neighbours poured scorn -or worse. These were designed to humiliate and humble, a task for which I imagine they were largely successful. Ascension, descension; exalting, humbling, and all in the shadow of St Oswald’s church.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 1 Peter 5:6

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