Otley Parish

FARNLEY, in the parish of Otley, upper-division of Claro, liberty of Cawood, Wistow, and Otley; (Farnley Hall, the seat of Walter Fawkes, Esq.) 2 miles N. of Otley, 10 from Ripley, 11 from Knaresborough. Pop. 172. The small antique Chapel is a perpetual curacy, under Otley, p.r. !£38. Here is no Burial Ground.

Farnley Hall stands on a lofty brow, commanding noble views up and down; the vale of Wharfe, with the planted ridge of Chevin in front. Attached to the old mansion of Queen Elizabeth's time is a magnificent modern house, built by the late proprietor, soon after he became possessed of the estate. Farnley has been distinguished by the residence of its lords from the earliest times on record. These, from the origin of local surnames bore the name of de Farneley; but Falcasius de Farneley, temp. Hen. III. had a son, who adopting the patronymick Falcasii, or in his own dialect Fawkes, i.e. son of Fawkes, transmitted that appellation to his posterity. --Whitaker's Loidis et Elmete.