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Hartshead Pike
Hartshead Pike
Hartshead Pike
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Hartshead Pike is a hill in Tameside in Greater Manchester, England,[2] and its name is associated with the monument on its summit. It overlooks Ashton-under-Lyne, Mossley, Saddleworth, Lees and Oldham. On a clear day you can get views of Manchester, Cheshire and Snowdonia in Wales. Hartshead Pike Tower has been a Grade II listed building since 1967.

Key Information

History

[edit]
The tower on Hartshead Pike

During the Roman occupation of Britain, a warning beacon for local garrisons, possibly lit during times of unrest, may have been sited on Hartshead Pike. Local trackways were routes for the Romans to access the Roman road at Limeside.

The name refers to the hill and the tower. The tower is not on the highest part of the hill but its prominent position,[3] 940 feet (290 m) above sea level, has been the site of a beacon or signalling station[2] from early times and may have been the site of a beacon in the late 16th century.[4]


Tower

[edit]

The circular, grade-II-listed tower is constructed of hammer-dressed stone with a door on the west side and cusped lancet windows. It has a steeply pitched conical roof above corbelled eaves and dormer roof lights.[5]

The tower was rebuilt in 1863 by John Eaton to commemorate the marriage of Albert Edward to Princess Alexandra, replacing a building that had been there since 1751.[4] An inscription stone reused in the tower states "This Pike Was Rebuilt By Publick Contributions Anno Domini 1751".[4]

In the 1930s the tower was open to the public and contained a sweet shop; it closed at the outbreak of the Second World War and the tower entrance was bricked up after the war. During 2020 the tower underwent £61,000 of repairs, to stop it from deteriorating.[6]

There is a well on the summit enclosed by a stone slab. The inscription above the tower's entrance reads "Look well at me Before you go And See You nothing at me throw".[citation needed]

[edit]
  • Hartshead Pike Inscription
    Hartshead Pike Inscription
  • Hartshead Pike showing detail of stone well.
    Hartshead Pike showing detail of stone well.
  • View of Manchester from Hartshead Pike, 8 miles (13 km) away with Fiddlers Ferry Power Station beyond, 27 miles (43 km) away.
    View of Manchester from Hartshead Pike, 8 miles (13 km) away with Fiddlers Ferry Power Station beyond, 27 miles (43 km) away.
  • View of Oldham from Hartshead Pike, 2.5 miles (4.0 km) away.
    View of Oldham from Hartshead Pike, 2.5 miles (4.0 km) away.

See also

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hartshead Pike.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Hartshead Pike

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Hartshead Pike is a prominent hill located near in the of , , , rising to an elevation of 267 metres (876 feet) above sea level and crowned by a distinctive Grade II listed tower that serves as a local landmark. The site has a long history as a or signalling station, with the earliest known structure possibly dating to the as a stone pillar associated with King Canute, though it was more definitively developed in the when a tower was erected in 1751 through public subscription to restore an ancient landmark. The current tower, designed and built by local architect John Eaton in 1863 using hammer-dressed stone, was constructed by public donation to commemorate the marriage of Albert Edward, (later King Edward VII), to Princess Alexandra of Denmark, featuring a circular plan, steep , cusped lancet windows, and corbelled eaves. Hartshead Pike holds significant cultural and recreational value, offering expansive panoramic views across the skyline, the , and the Pennine Hills, and forming part of Tameside's countryside trail network, including the 4-mile Park Bridge to Hartshead Pike circular walk that highlights nearby industrial heritage sites like Rocher Vale Local Nature Reserve. The tower, which includes viewing windows and has undergone restorations in 1914, 1928, and 2020, was designated a Grade II listed building in 1967 for its special architectural and historic interest, underscoring its role in preserving local heritage amid the surrounding moorland landscape.

Geography

Location and Topography

Hartshead Pike is situated in the metropolitan borough of , , at coordinates 53°31′5.88″N 2°3′39.24″W. This location places it within a densely populated while offering a prominent elevated vantage point amid the surrounding terrain. The hill reaches an elevation of 286 m (940 ft) above , with the tower at its summit extending to approximately 296 m (971 ft). Positioned on the western edge of the , it forms a notable foothill characterized by undulating and outcrops typical of the region's geology, primarily the Group. This topographical setting provides a clear overlook of nearby towns including , , , Lees, and , as well as the adjacent Medlock Valley to the west. Geologically, the site exemplifies the transitional landscape between the upland and the lower-lying , with its bedrock consisting of interbedded sandstones, siltstones, and mudstones from the Upper period. Historical trackways ascending the pike historically linked to in the vicinity, such as the route from to Melandra Castle (Margary 711), facilitating oversight of key transport corridors in the ancient landscape.

Views and Visibility

Hartshead Pike, standing at 286 meters (940 feet) above , offers expansive panoramic views that encompass the city center to the west, the flat expanse of the , the rugged landscapes of the to the east, and on exceptionally clear days, distant glimpses of in . These vistas highlight the site's elevated position on the edge of the , providing a sweeping outlook over and beyond, including landmarks such as . The hill's strategic visibility played a key role in its historical significance, particularly during the Roman occupation, when it overlooked large sections of several key , including the Iter II from to , the route from to Melandra Castle at Mottram, and the path from to Castleshaw. This commanding sightline from local garrisons and roads likely made Hartshead Pike an ideal location for a warning beacon, used to signal unrest across the region. In modern times, Hartshead Pike remains a distinctive , prominently visible from surrounding urban areas like , , and , where its tower silhouette stands out against the skyline, especially at dusk or during events when illuminated. Its prominence extends to views across the Medlock Valley and into the Tame Valley, reinforcing its role as a recognizable feature in the local landscape.

History

Prehistoric and Roman Period

The prominence of Hartshead Pike, rising to 286 meters above sea level on the edge of the , has led to suggestions of its use as a signaling site during the Roman occupation of Britain (43–410 CE). Local historical accounts propose that a was maintained on the hill to warn nearby garrisons and along of unrest or invasion, leveraging its visibility across the landscape, though no physical archaeological remains of such a structure have been identified. Prehistoric activity at the site remains speculative, with traditions referencing ancient pillars potentially linked to ritual or sun worship practices, possibly by communities or Druids, but these claims lack supporting excavation evidence and are based on rather than verified finds. An unverified ties the site to the early , suggesting a stone pillar was erected during the reign of King Canute (c. 1016–1035) to commemorate his passage through the region, reflecting the hill's enduring role as a landmark amid Viking-influenced areas like nearby Knott Hill.

Medieval and Early Modern Period

During the medieval period, Hartshead Pike's elevated position contributed to its early role in local signaling traditions, with folklore associating the site with King Canute (), the 11th-century Danish king of , who was said to have been impressed by the panoramic views from the hilltop during his campaigns in the region. Local legends suggest the original structure may have served as a to Canute, reflecting its significance as a vantage point amid the Anglo-Scandinavian influences in , though no contemporary records confirm this. By the , Hartshead Pike had established itself as a key beacon site for communications and warnings, particularly from the onward, when hilltop fires were lit to signal threats across the landscape. According to local tradition, it played a role during times of unrest, such as the invasion of , where beacons like the one at Hartshead Pike were ignited to alert communities and muster defenses along the western coasts and inland routes. This function underscored its strategic visibility, connecting it to broader networks of early warning systems in and during periods of national peril. The first clearly documented structure on the site appeared in the mid-18th century, when a conical stone pillar was rebuilt in 1751 through public subscription to replace earlier, weathered beacons. Surviving inscriptions on the pillar confirm this communal effort, reading "This Pike was rebuilt by Publick Contributions 1751," highlighting local investment in maintaining the landmark for continued signaling purposes. An additional admonitory verse etched on the structure warned passersby against : "Look well at me before you go, And see you nothing at me throw!" These developments reflect the pike's enduring practical and symbolic importance in early modern rural , even as its use began to evolve beyond military alerts.

The Tower

Construction History

The tower at Hartshead Pike was first rebuilt in 1751 through public subscription as a structure, restoring an ancient that had suffered and decay. This initiative aimed to restore the landmark's role in signaling, with an inscription on the structure reading "This Pike Was Rebuilt By Publick Contributions 1751," a stone from which was later reused in subsequent builds. The 1751 tower, constructed from local stone, stood as a conical pillar topped with a hart's head but was restored in 1758; it deteriorated over time, suffering damage from lightning in 1794 and eventually collapsing around 1820, though partial rebuilding efforts followed. In 1863, the tower underwent a major reconstruction led by local architect John Eaton, funded by public subscription to commemorate the marriage of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, to Princess Alexandra of Denmark on 10 March that year. The was laid on 17 1863 by Ashton-under-Lyne's , Duncuft Lees, using a silver , on land donated by the and ; a containing newspapers, coins, and a commemorative poem by James Dawson was sealed within. The rebuilt tower incorporated the 1751 inscription alongside a new one stating it was "re-erected by public subscription to commemorate the marriage of HRH Albert Edward Prince of Wales to HRH the Princess Alexandra and to restore the ancient landmark of Hartshead Pike," emphasizing both royal celebration and historical continuity. During the 20th century, the tower saw further adaptations for public and wartime use. It was restored in 1914 and, following further restoration work in 1928 under J. Lindsay Grant, it reopened on 17 November that year and was made accessible to visitors in , featuring an internal sweet shop for refreshments. It closed at the outbreak of the Second World War, when it served as an for security purposes, and the entrance was subsequently bricked up at the war's end to prevent access. The structure received Grade II listed status on 12 January 1967, recognizing its historical and architectural value.

Architectural Features

The Hartshead Pike Tower features a circular plan constructed from hammer-dressed stone, giving it a robust and textured appearance typical of local vernacular architecture. The structure rises to a prominent steep conical roof, which enhances its visibility as a landmark while providing weather protection. Corbelled eaves support the roofline, adding a decorative element to the otherwise utilitarian design. The tower's west-side entrance consists of a simple with a shouldered head, above which inscribed stones detail its construction : "This pike was rebuilt by public contribution 1751 and re-erected by public subscription to commemorate the marriage of HRH Albert to HRH the Princess Alexandra and to restore the ancient of Hartshead Pike." An additional admonitory verse from the 1751 structure is incorporated nearby: "Look well at me Before you go And See You nothing at me throw," serving as a reminder to visitors to respect the monument. Fenestration includes cusped lancet window openings that evoke Gothic influences, allowing natural light into the interior while maintaining the tower's defensive aesthetic. Dormer roof lights, featuring cusped openings and stepped gables, further illuminate the upper spaces and contribute to the structure's ornamental quality. Overall, the tower embodies a folly-style form, adapted from earlier beacon designs, blending commemorative purpose with picturesque landscaping elements. A well is present on the , enclosed by a , providing a practical feature amid the hilltop setting.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Role as a Landmark

Hartshead Pike has served as a signaling for military and communal alerts across since ancient times, with records indicating its use as a during the Roman occupation to warn local garrisons of unrest along key routes between forts like Melandra in and . Positioned at 286 metres (940 feet) above , the hill's elevated location facilitated the lighting of bonfires visible over wide areas, enabling rapid communication of threats or gatherings in an era before modern . The site's prominence has cemented its iconic status in local identity, acting as a geographical marker visible from urban centers such as and , where it stands out against the skyline and orients residents to the surrounding landscape. Overlooking , , , and Lees, it has long symbolized regional continuity, with historical references dating its landmark function to at least the medieval period through efforts to maintain structures there. This visibility extends to four counties—, , , and —reinforcing its role in communal awareness and navigation. Hartshead Pike's beacon tradition ties into broader English networks, notably during the 1588 invasion when a was lit as part of a national chain from to to alert inland communities of coastal threats. Earlier ceremonial uses may include Druidic s for sacred rituals, highlighting its multifunctional role in pre-Roman alerts and observances, while later instances extended to celebratory signals marking events like the Armada's defeat.

Commemorative Purpose

The tower at Hartshead Pike was constructed in 1863 primarily as a public monument to celebrate the marriage of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), to Princess Alexandra of Denmark on 10 March 1863, embodying the Victorian era's widespread civic pride in royal milestones. This event inspired numerous commemorative structures across Britain, with Hartshead Pike's tower serving as a local expression of national loyalty amid the industrial communities of . Funded through public subscriptions that encouraged contributions from all social classes—from guineas by the affluent to modest sums like 2s 6d from —the project reflected community solidarity during the economic strains of the . The was laid on 17 1863 on land donated by the and , who also provided stone and additional funds. Design elements and inscriptions further tied the structure to these national events: a reused 1751 stone bears the admonitory verse "Look well at me before you go / And see you nothing at me throw," while the crest and motto "A Ma Puissance" (To My Power) adorn the tower, honoring local benefactors and linking to monarchical patronage; a in the foundation included a poem by local writer James Dawson celebrating the royal union. A hart's head atop the symbolized both the site's name and enduring allegiance to . In Tameside's historical narrative, the tower endures as a potent symbol of local loyalty to the , standing as a testament to 19th-century communal values and the integration of national celebrations into regional identity. Its Grade II listing since 1967 underscores this cultural resonance, preserving it as a focal point for community remembrance and pride in Ashton-under-Lyne and Mossley's shared heritage.

Preservation and Modern Use

Restoration Efforts

Following the Second World War, during which the tower served as an , its entrance was bricked up for security reasons, resulting in a period of neglect that persisted for decades. This closure contributed to gradual deterioration, with the structure remaining inaccessible and unmaintained until formal recognition of its heritage value. In 1967, the tower was designated a Grade II listed building on 12 January, highlighting its architectural and historical importance and prompting initial steps toward preservation under national heritage protections. A significant restoration effort occurred in 2020, aimed at halting further decay and ensuring public safety. The project, costing £61,000, addressed issues such as crumbling mortar and water infiltration that threatened structural integrity, with works including repointing the spire's masonry, reinstating the removed lantern, assessing internal floors, and conducting verticality checks. Funding came from Metropolitan Borough Council's capital programme for statutory compliance, while was consulted for listed building consent to guide the repairs in line with heritage standards. These interventions prevented imminent risks, such as falling debris, and preserved key features like the inscribed stones above the west door, which read: "This pike was rebuilt by public contribution 1751 and re-erected by public subscription to commemorate the marriage of HRH Albert to HRH the Princess Alexandra and to restore the ancient landmark of Hartshead Pike." Despite these efforts, the tower's hilltop location exposes it to harsh conditions, necessitating continuous to combat and structural wear.

Access and Visitor Facilities

Hartshead Pike is accessible to the public via a network of footpaths and trails managed by Metropolitan Borough Council as part of the Medlock Valley countryside area, offering routes suitable for walkers and cyclists. A notable example is the 4-mile circular "Hike to the Pike" trail, which begins at the Park Bridge Heritage Centre and follows the River Medlock upstream before ascending to the summit. Vehicle access is facilitated by car parking at Back Lane, off Broadcarr Lane in , from where a short, gently sloping path leads to the site; this parking area supports visits by those with limited mobility, though the final approach involves some uneven terrain. The site is dog-friendly, with leads recommended on trails to respect and wildlife, and it attracts visitors for outdoor activities including , picnics amid the open grassland, and capturing the expansive views. A small coffee shop in a converted horsebox operates seasonally near the parking area, providing refreshments for picnickers and hikers. Internal access to the tower has not been available since the post-World War II era, with the entrance sealed for safety reasons following damage and . Sporadic local events, such as beacon lightings to commemorate royal jubilees, are occasionally held at the summit, drawing community gatherings to the historic landmark.

References

  1. https://www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside/walksandtrails/hiketothepike.pdf
  2. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1067991
  3. https://www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside/medlock
  4. https://latitude.to/articles-by-country/gb/united-kingdom/103465/hartshead-pike
  5. https://en-gb.topographic-map.com/map-pl9sdn/Hartshead-Pike/
  6. https://www.komoot.com/highlight/1086965
  7. https://earthwise.bgs.ac.uk/index.php/Pennines_and_adjoining_areas_-_Geology
  8. https://www.romanroads.org/gazetteer/M711.htm
  9. https://www.tameside.gov.uk/Countryside/Access-for-People-with-Limited-Mobility-Hartshea
  10. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/greater-manchester/hartshead-pike-from-mossley
  11. http://www.c5d.co.uk/thepike.php
  12. https://www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside/tamesidetrail
  13. https://diggreatermanchester.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/gmaf_newsletter_11_2013.pdf
  14. https://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/14/reviews-news/19092/pike-view-thrilled-old-king-canute
  15. https://www.valvestubesfittings.com/hartshead-pike-ashton-under-lyne/
  16. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/lancs/vol4/pp338-347
  17. http://wikimapia.org/1700935/Hartshead-Pike
  18. https://manchestervictorianarchitects.org.uk/index.php/buildings/hartshead-pike-hartshead-hill-lily-lane
  19. https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2649551
  20. https://thefollyflaneuse.com/hartshead-pike-ashton-under-lyne-lancashire/
  21. https://www.tameside.gov.uk/Towns/ashton-under-lyne-menu
  22. https://www.rct.uk/collection/stories/royal-weddings/the-marriage-of-the-prince-of-wales-to-alexandra-of-denmark-10-march-1863
  23. https://tameside.moderngov.co.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=77053
  24. https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/iconic-hartshead-pike-restored-stop-18204706
  25. https://greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/media/1727/greater-manchester-landscape-character-and-sensitivity-report.pdf
  26. https://www.tameside.gov.uk/Countryside/Access-for-People-with-Limited-Mobility-Hartshead-Pike
  27. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g644360-d8286038-Reviews-Hartshead_Pike_Tower-Ashton_under_Lyne_Tameside_Greater_Manchester_England.html
  28. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/greater-manchester/hartshead-pike-and-knott-hill
  29. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g644360-d8286038-r565699602-Hartshead_Pike_Tower-Ashton_under_Lyne_Tameside_Greater_Manchester_England.html
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