Welcome to Yorkshire
History • September 11th, 2026
|In an exciting announcement today, historian David Olusoga OBE revealed that Otley Courthouse has been awarded the prestigious title of Yorkshire winner in the inaugural ‘Everyday History Heroes’ awards. This award celebrates the remarkable efforts of organisations and communities that bring the stories of ordinary people to life, and Otley Courthouse has stood out for its dedication to sharing local history.
Otley Courthouse's Recognition
Located in the heart of Otley, this historic venue was chosen from a shortlist of 24 heritage sites across England. The Everyday History Heroes awards were created by Findmypast in partnership with Heritage Open Days, aiming to highlight the contributions of everyday individuals who have helped shape local communities. Thousands of people participated in a public vote to select the winners, demonstrating a strong interest in celebrating England’s hidden heritage gems.
The Role of the Heritage Group
Otley Courthouse owes its success to the tireless efforts of its volunteer Heritage Group. This dedicated team has spent several years researching and uncovering the lives of various individuals connected to the courthouse when it served as a police station, courtroom, and cell block. Their work has turned the venue into a living museum where visitors can explore the everyday stories of police officers, prisoners, cleaners, solicitors, and local residents.
Hazel Costello, a representative from Otley Courthouse, expressed her gratitude:
“Thanks to the work of the volunteer Heritage Group, Otley Courthouse is a place full of stories of people from a wide area of West and North Yorkshire who have been involved with this historic building in a variety of ways. Being named the Yorkshire winner is a fantastic opportunity to share these fascinating stories more widely, bringing the building to life and celebrating the history of this lively market town.”
Insights from the Awards
David Olusoga highlighted the importance of the Everyday History Heroes awards, saying, “The response to the inaugural Everyday History Heroes awards has demonstrated just how much people value the stories of those who rarely make the history books. Across England, heritage organisations and volunteers are preserving powerful histories that help us better understand our families and communities.”
Helen Kaye, Director of Brand and Communications at Findmypast, added:
“Every one of the winning sites showed how local history can reveal extraordinary stories about those that came before us. The public's enthusiasm for the awards highlights a growing appetite to discover the people behind the places we know and love today.”
Heritage Open Days Festival
This recognition comes just in time for the Heritage Open Days festival, which runs from 11 to 20 September 2026. During this festival, thousands of sites across England will open their doors to the public for free, allowing people to explore their local history. Otley Courthouse will participate with a special exhibition titled “Everyday Lives of Everyday People” on Saturday, 19 September. This exhibition will delve into the stories uncovered by the volunteer Heritage Group.
Visitors can expect to learn about the lives of various artisans linked to the courthouse, including butchers, farriers, clockmakers, bootmakers, leather workers, and rope makers. It promises to be an engaging experience that showcases the warmth of domestic life in Otley.
Encouraging Local Exploration
Liam Montgomery, Heritage Open Days Marketing & Projects Manager, expressed excitement about the awards and the upcoming festival:
“We’re delighted to see so many people engage with the Everyday History Heroes awards and celebrate some of the people and places that make the festival so impactful. Many congratulations to the regional winners, and everyone who made the shortlist. With Heritage Open Days fast approaching, we hope these inspiring winners encourage even more people to discover the extraordinary histories waiting to be found on their own doorsteps.”
For those interested in exploring more about the winners and their stories, details can be found on the Findmypast website, which highlights the contributions of various heritage sites across England. The Everyday History Heroes awards serve as a reminder of the rich tapestry of local history that exists right in the community.
