Look Well At Me Before You Go...

Hartshead Pike is as a well known landmark in the Tameside landscape above the towns of Ashton under Lyne and Mossley in Greater Manchester. Although the name is generally used to identify the distinctive tower, it is the original name of the hill itself. With unbroken views across 4 counties it can be seen for miles and was used as a beacon during roman times. The present structure is grade II listed and was built in 1863 by John Eaton to commemorate the wedding of the Prince of Wales, HRH Albert Edward to Princess Alexandra of Denmark. Up until the 1930s the tower was open to the public and contained a refreshment shop but the entrance and windows are now bricked up. A tower was built here in 1751 but it was struck by lightning and reduced to rubble. Local stories concerning the Pike are plentiful and include UFO sightings, ghostly apparitions, druid meetings and sacrifices. The pike is a popular destination for walkers and locals looking for an easy afternoon stroll. In 2012 a beacon was lit here in celebration of Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee. The stone inscription above the tower's entrance reads "Look well at me Before you go And See You nothing at me throw".