Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Thomas George

What it means when you see a white flag flying on Peel Tower

Standing proudly on top of Holcombe Hill, Peel Tower is perhaps Bury's most famous landmark.

Built as a monument to the town's most famous son, Sir Robert Peel, the iconic structure can be seen for miles around.

Erected using stone from the hillside, at a cost of £1,000, it was opened in 1852, a day after a statue to the two-time Prime Minister was unveiled in Bury town centre.

The structure itself was renovated in 1929 and was closed in World War Two, only to be re-opened in 1985.

Most of the time, however, those who ascend Holcombe Hill's steep slopes will find the tower closed.

Peel Tower (Rossendale Free Press)

Also known as Peel Monument, it is shut most days of the year, although volunteers try to open it to visitors on one Sunday every month.

A white flag is flown from the top of the tower to indicate the fact it is open.

Those who do manage to climb the tower's 148-step staircase will not be disappointed.

At a height of 335 metres above sea level, it affords stunning views of Greater Manchester, Cheshire and even North Wales on a clear day.

Unfortunately, no open days are currently scheduled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

For more info on Peel Tower's future open days, call Bury Tourist Information Centre on 0161 253 5111.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.