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     Photo Submitted by, and Copyright of :- Matt Waite.

If ever there was a folly that was exposed to the elements, then it surely must be this one. The thin tapering beauty usually admired in most obelisks would not survive the elements in this magnificent location. Hence the reason for this sturdily built 120 foot structure that was erected in 1856, to mark the end of the Crimean war and to replace an earlier, less robust column (celebrating the Battle of Waterloo) that had fallen down two years earlier.
The obelisk is standing on a massive base with buttresses all round to add support. There is a single entrance in this base, that allows you access to the viewing balcony at the top. Be careful though as there is no illumination from small windows, as would be expected, as you climb the spiral staircase inside.

Darkness
As you grope your way up the steps, feeling out in front of you in the pitch black, heart pounding, desperately hoping your hand wont make contact with anything, listening to just ? your own footsteps echoing inside, it is best not to remember that human bones were found when the first column was built on this site. It seems the tower is positioned on what is thought to be a Bronze Age burial ground.

As the bone discovery was part of the history of the tower, I thought it best to mention it. I just hope that if you do ever climb it, and you have that 'feeling' someone is behind you when you know your really alone,?
...............it does not spoil the experience for you.


 View Entrance and Stairwell      



Visiting:-  Rather conspicuous in the middle of nowhere. If you can't find this one then give up with most of the others on this site !
It is actually situated 2 miles to the east of Todmorden.

Co-ords 397310 424210 / SD 973242  

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