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Hartshead Pike is situated between Oldham and Tameside and is a well known local landmark.

Before the arrival of the Romans, the local tribes lit fires here to celebrate the cycle of the seasons; there were many ancient sites close by. It is highly probable that the druids worshipped at Hartshead Pike during the Iron Age, and sacrifices may have been held to appease their gods.

Although the name "Hartshead Pike" is generally used to mean the tower, it was originally the name of the hill itself. The pike is not the highest part of the hill, but, at 940 feet (290 m) above sea level, its prominent position has meant that, from early times, it has been the site of a beacon or signalling station. Hartshead Pike may have been the site of a beacon in the late 16th century.

The tower was rebuilt in 1863 by John Eaton to commemorate the marriage of HRH Albert Edward to Princess Alexandra, replacing a building that had been on the site since 1751. An inscription stone reused in the tower states "This Pike Was Rebuilt By Publick Contributions Anno Domini 1751". In the 1930s the tower was open to the public and contained a sweet shop; this closed at the outbreak of the Second World War and the tower entrance was bricked up.

The inscription on the tower reads "Look well at me Before you go And See You nothing at me throw".

Hartshead Pike reflected in an iced up puddle, the Pike is situated between Oldham and Tameside and is a well known landmark.

Before the arrival of the Romans, the local tribes lit fires here to celebrate the cycle of the seasons; there were many ancient sites close by. It is highly probable that the druids worshipped at Hartshead Pike during the Iron Age, and sacrifices may have been held to appease their gods.

Although the name "Hartshead Pike" is generally used to mean the tower, it was originally the name of the hill itself. The pike is not the highest part of the hill, but, at 940 feet (290 m) above sea level, its prominent position has meant that, from early times, it has been the site of a beacon or signalling station. Hartshead Pike may have been the site of a beacon in the late 16th century.

The tower was rebuilt in 1863 by John Eaton to commemorate the marriage of HRH Albert Edward to Princess Alexandra, replacing a building that had been on the site since 1751. An inscription stone reused in the tower states "This Pike Was Rebuilt By Publick Contributions Anno Domini 1751". In the 1930s the tower was open to the public and contained a sweet shop; this closed at the outbreak of the Second World War and the tower entrance was bricked up.

The inscription on the tower reads "Look well at me Before you go And See You nothing at me throw".

1949 Bedford MLC; last taxed in Dec 1969

The main group had more or less passed by the time I got near; this was the womans group following behind. Not sure what the protest was about, but probably 400+ people out marching with banners.