Canon Henry Bickersteth Otley was born in 1850, the son of the Rev. Lawrence Ottley, Vicar of Richmond. After gaining a B.A. at St. John's College, Oxford he was Ordained Curate of All Souls, Langham Place in 1874. He later became Vicar of St. Margaret's, Ilkley, Vicar of Horsham and West Hackney and between 1890-98, Vicar of Eastbourne. Whilst in the latter position he was offered the Bishopric of Wellington, New Zealand, which he declined. He was Vicar of South Norwood between 1898-1907 and was made a Honorary Canon of Canterbury in 1906. Later appointed Brother of the Royal College of St. Katherine's, Regents Park, by Queen Alexandra, he served with the Y.M.C.A. at St. Omer during the Great War, being in charge of a club for British Officers. An author of a number of books, Otley died in 1932.