From the 8th and 9th centuries Otley was probably a minsterMinster Originally a church with a group of clergy which served a large area. Later used to describe a church staffed by many priests or a monastic community or mother-church serving Wharfdale. Parts of the naveNave The central aisle in a longitudinal (basilican) church, often used for processions. Also the area used by the congregation during worship. walls may survive from the Anglo-Saxon stone church, which suggest it was one of the largest parishParish Area with its own church, served by a priest who has the spiritual care of all those living within it. The system evolved gradually, reaching completion by the 13th century churches in the north of England at the time, which may previously have been a monasteryMonastery The house of a religious community. The church contains two particularly important stone crosses of the 8th and 9th centuries which are evidence of its high status. One shows images of angels and birds, while the other has dramatic carvings of mythical griffins.