Peel Monument

Standing 39 meters (128 feet) tall atop Holcombe Hill, the Peel Monument overlooks the town of Ramsbottom, located in the heart of the Irwell Valley. The tower was built in remembrance of Sir Robert Peel. Born in Bury, Peel had served twice as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom until his sudden death in 1850 after being thrown from his horse. Beloved by locals, funds for the memorial and a statue in Bury were raised by public subscription.

The tower was opened around September 1852, just one day after the statue in Bury was unveiled. The guest of honor was Frederick Peel, son of Robert. Inside the entrance, the final part of Peel’s 1846 resignation speech to Parliament was inscribed on the wall. Unfortunately, the tower was built so quickly that permission had not been obtained from the landowner, a problem that wasn’t resolved until 1868.

Normally, the tower is closed to the public, but once a month the entrance is unlocked and the platform at the top provides a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. A flag is raised above the tower to alert the public the doors are open.