The skyline over the town is dominated by the Peel Monument which stands atop Harcles Hill (known locally as Holcombe Hill), a memorial to Sir Robert Peel, a 19th century British Prime Minister best remembered as the creator of the modern British Police Force, born in neighbouring Bury.
The tower itself stands 128 feet (39.0 m) tall on Holcombe Moor. Even from the foot of the tower, there are spectacular views over West Yorkshire, North Lancashire, Greater Manchester, North Wales and the Lancashire Plain. From the top of the tower it is possible to see Blackpool Tower on a clear day.
The tower was completed in 1852 at a cost of almost £1,000. This cost was met from public subscriptions by a people grateful for Peel’s role in the repeal of the Corn Laws, legislation that had driven up the price of bread for the working masses.
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