Preserving Peel Tower

Monday, 3 March 2025 10:30

By David Murphy

Thanks to a grant of £57,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, a condition survey is to be carried out at Peel Tower with a view to preserving this iconic landmark, originally unveiled in 1852, for many years to come.

Peel Tower is a Grade 2 Listed Building that stands tall at the top of Holcombe Hill overlooking Ramsbottom and can be seen for many miles around.

It was built after the death of the Bury-born Prime Minister, and founder of the Metropolitan Police Force, Sir Robert Peel. Since its unveiling it has attracted many thousands of visitors, locally and from far and wide.

Despite repairs carried in the past, concerns have arisen about the condition of the monument due to water ingress, broken windows, and damaged external mortar.

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations, said: “Undertaking a condition survey will help us determine the current physical condition of this important historic monument, and give us a clearer picture of the works needed to preserve it.”

To deliver the Peel Tower project, Bury Council will work alongside Greenmount Village Community and community interest company Proffitts CiC. There will also be opportunities for residents, schools and volunteers to also get involved.

Cllr Quinn added: “We will be working with heritage specialists and specialist surveyors so that they can help us plan and prioritise future repairs, as well as help us ensure that any works are completed in accordance with the tower’s Listed Building status.

“We will also work with ecologists who will conduct wildlife surveys to ensure any roosting bats are safely accommodated and to make recommendations for improving the upland grassed moorland that surrounds the tower.”

Survey work is due to start at the tower in spring 2025.

A representative of Greenmount Village Community commented: “Our group are excited to be part of this project. Peel Monument is a renowned feature within Bury, and we’re thrilled that we can work alongside Bury Council and the heritage specialists to uncover a little more about the tower that we visit so often.

“We’re particularly excited as the project also offers residents, school children and volunteers the chance to get involved in a range of heritage and ecological activities. There will be bat walks, heritage talks, heritage skills workshops, educational research projects, art projects to design new interpretation panels, and even the opportunity to share wildlife and ecology details directly with the survey teams – so lots to look forward to!’’

Volunteers open Peel Tower to the public on certain weekend dates each month. The tower is open if a flag is flying from the top of the tower.

The progress of the Peel Tower project can be followed here:

https://www.proffittscic.com/community-projects/peel-tower-conditions-project-bury/?swcfpc=1