Hartshead Pike- Ashton

The place that the present Pike is built has long been a beacon point for the local area, being visible for many miles around. Fires were said to be built there in Roman times, and in 1588 warning beacons were lit for the coming of the Spanish Armada.

The tower that remains today is the third to be built in the area. The previous monument was rebuilt in 1758, but after developing a crack, it collapsed in 1820. A further forty three years passed before another attempt was made,and the result is the Hartshead Pike of today, built to commemorate the marriage of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward the Seventh) and Princess Alexandra of Denmark. The final tower had to be paid for by public subscriptions and is three hundred metres above sea level. It was declared open in November 1928. Although now it is bricked up, it was once possible to enter the Pike which once housed a small sweet shop.

It has been claimed that Henry II visited the baron of Ashlynne to hunt and joust, but there is no actual evidence to suport this. William Quarmby's 'chronicles of Ashlynne' also claims the pike was built by king Canute because of the existance of Knott hill, however the title of the hill comes from the middle english meaning for hill, which is knott.

From Hartshead Pike on the top of Hartshead Hill the four counties of Cheshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Derbyshire can be seen.

"Look well at me Before You go And See You nothing at me throw"

"This Pike Was Rebuilt By Publick Contributions Anno Domini 1751"

"and re erected by public subscription to commemorate the marriage of"

"H.R.H Albert Edward, Prince of wales to H.R.H the princess Alexandra of Denmark and to restore the ancient landmark of HARTSHEAD PIKE"

"The Rt.honerable George Harry 7th earl of Stamford & Warrington being lord of the manor. Arthur Payne eqs steward."

"This foundation stone was laid by Samuel Duncoft Lees M.D. mayor of the manor September 17th 1863"