A trip up Peel Tower and Black puddings

In this video we visit The Peel monument a historic tower just outside the town of Bury home of the Black Pudding. The Peel monument was built on Holcombe hill near the town of Ramsbottom. It was built in 1852 after the death of and to celebrate Sir Robert Peel. Sir Robert Peel was the founder of the metropolitan police force in London. His law enforcers were called Peelers and later the Police force. We visit the famous Bury market and try out the local delicacy Black Pudding. But which topping to have. Then we go back to Holcombe Hill in Lancashire to look at the 128feet high historical Victorian English tower monument. A wonderful English historical landmark.

[@Simon_Nonymous]

Small world - we went to Bury market yesterday to get black puddings, and I used to help with the charity abseil for Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team. There's never been a windless day on top of that tower chaps!

[@MrLargePig]

The most English video I've ever seen! Peel Tower, black pudding, tea, and a pint down the pub. Oh, and a view of Manchester, too!

[@bogusbogmail]

Thanks all 3 of you, great vid as usual 👍

[@almaxx9680]

Black pudding!!!full of eye lids and ring pieces 🐖🐖,Top view Top video cheers fellas 👍

[@geoffair6461]

Yet another superb video. Do keep the facial hair , it makes you look very distinguished. James' too but he needs just a bit more. Anyway .......! Last time I stood outside Peel Tower was 1998. A freezing cold and snowy day. My colleague and I thought it would be 'easy!!' To walk up ( bearing in mind we weren't dressed for it and working in an office at the time were wearing unsuitable clothing). We did make it to the Top but didn't stay more than a few minutes before walking/sliding down (that bit not planned) . Suffice to say a return to the Office that day didn't happen . ANYONE thinking of walking up to see the Tower, wear appropriate clothing and walking boots not Clarks' slip on shoes, or low heel shoes that the lady I was with was wearing. Once again, brilliant video and defo black pudding and mustard.

[@chrisstone1037]

Martin, I’m writing from the US to say that I really enjoy your videos. Thanks for taking the time to make them.

[@jezm1703]

Another great adventure. What an interesting Tower and a tribute to the builders who must have endured extreme weather there. Very amusing a times. Thanks.

[@lindamccaughey6669]

Congratulations for going out at the top. Now Martin you always looked good but now you look distinguished. Very nice indeed. Doesn’t make you look older. Loved the tower beautiful workmanship. Thanks for taking me along. Please stay safe and take care

[@darriendastar3941]

Superb vid! (I was a bit worried about the enthusiastic sprinting into the quarry, though. My first thought was: "Oh God. He's turned into a fell runner and we're going to need a crow bar to get him out of the Peak District.")

[@peakfreak01]

Grand video lads. I was one of the scaffolders on the job for doing the renovation of Peel Monument back in the mid 80's. I remember having to haul a bloody big hoist motor up the side of the tower and thinking to myself WTF. 🤣🤣

[@quickclipsbyjmj]

I wasn't sure about the moustache, Martin. However, the full beard looks fab. From fit lad to handsome maaan.

[@AnthonyIlstonJones]

It does age him a bit, bt it's not a bad look. Does the same to me, to be fair...

[@cdd4248]

All that exercise and then chocolate covered shortbread is a well balanced afternoon! I absolutely love the sensibility of the English and your countryside!

[@Stormy_69]

Ahh, my hometown 🥰 I used to work on Bury Market, lost count of the number of discarded black pudding skins I've slipped on! When we were kids we'd go collecting wimberries on Holcombe Hill, and as we got older we'd try and sneak into the Krypton Factor deathslide thing. I never got close as the Army always had the red flags up and chased us off 🤪 happy days 😃

[@tanget1337]

My grandparents used to own Bank Top farm in the 80s and I remember lots of stories about the Krypton factor and the firing range. I'm fairly sure at least part of it was on their land. I live fairly local now (Rawtenstall) and am always up on Holcombe moor and around Peel tower on my bike. They sold the farm before I was really old enough to remember it, but it makes me happy to think I'm knocking about in their old stomping grounds. It's a beautiful part of the word that's for sure!

[@yonmons]

Driven up that hill in a Police Land Rover and parked where you did, must be about 1990. I was a serving officer at Bury, it was a privilege to work there after Salford. Mint sauce on a black pudding is new to me, I have Bury black pudding in the fridge guess what I am going to have with it. Your videos continue to make me think I should be returning from the south coast to live in the north west.

[@dnel83]

I lived just below the tower for ten years and never once got to see inside of it. Fascinating stuff!

[@notwenjohn6852]

Cracking video Martin. And you can't beat a spot of Bury Black pudding 😋 Brown sauce and a twist of pepper on mine! ;-)

[@Phil-M0KPH]

What a great way to spend an afternoon,. Cracking location, cracking weather and cracking company. Really enjoyed it, though nobody reminded me that I still had my Bluetooth headset in my ear! 😆

[@TheNapalmFTW]

I had a feeling you were a ham radio guy. Signed, a former member of greater Manchester RAYNET

[@Phil-M0KPH]

@@TheNapalmFTW Yes, though the headset was for my phone. There were some SOTA activations coming in on the way up. Alas, we had a listen before coming down and the 2m band had gone quiet. It would’ve been nice to have a few QSOs whilst at that location.

[@lthecrazycrew9418]

My nan and great grandparents lived in the farm next door my grandfather was a farmer named Percy vickers and they used to maintain the tower inside and open it up on good Friday and open up the farm as a tea room i do have it all in a Ramsbottom heritage booklet my nan wrote very interesting tower and stories great video of my family history aswell as sir Robert peels 👍

[@michaelbates7025]

As a Bury lad, well Radcliffe, How interesting that video was. Been up there several times but it was always closed. But good to see that it is being ;looked after and in good condition. Well done Martin, Always, Always, English mustard on the Black pudding!

[@christopherbraiden6713]

Thanks for the video lads amazing view from the top, tea and cake at the bottom can't be bad. Black pudding well that's another story!! 😋 😎🦆🦆🐓🐓🇬🇧🥳

[@deltafoxtrot2]

As always great video, well done Martin! You can usually tell who has had a Blackpudding while walking around Bury centre, they will have mustard on the end of their nose and black bits in their teeth..😀 When the tower is open the Union flag will be flying on the top of the tower.

[@joannataylor3542]

I I've walked up there many times when I was younger really enjoyed it my grandma used to live round that area

[@cecilwilson5442]

Tom selek of Manchester on the case of the missing tower,, what a great view stuff we'll built in them days ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️from Northern Ireland great video

[@roosalwaysthesun8759]

You look very well Martin, loved it all thank you so much for sharing. Love Roos 🙋🏻‍♀️🌹🤗😁👊🏻💪🏻

[@andyhill242]

Your explores are so civilised Martin, Tea, the sign of a true Englishman!

[@4623620]

Fry black pudding in onion lard in a frying pan, put grated sour apple around it, simmer for a while, serve with honey mustard and thin slices of light roasted whole-grain sourdough bread. Yummy !

[@kevfish32]

What a cracking video martin - I was working last saturday but we have going up to bury market every saturday religiously - love the place and the people - never been to peel tower but can see it from a way off - I am working on the rochdale seven sisters for the next couple of years - you want to see the view from the top floor balconies - I get what you mean with the wind - on the 18th floor of one of the empty flats I nearly got blown off - special - stay safe pal and top top editing and posting

[@dayvewatson8596]

Wow fantastic thanks for the video thanks hits was awesome 👌 thanks 👏 4r going in side thanks

[@rontanser9369]

Thanks Martin as always The Sir Robert Peel tower was very 🤔 Interesting

[@madgebishop5409]

mint sauce on black pudding has blown my mind...only ever had it on roast lamb and kebabs from the chippy ...im. going to have to try this now..

[@martin4787]

Thoroughly enjoyable trip up the tower. I do love Bury Market, but I've never tried black pudding with mint sauce or piccalilli. I'm going to try it next time I go to Bury Market. Thanks to the three of you who made my Sunday evening so enjoyable.

[@martin4787]

@@ianhalsall-fox Mustard goes and also I like mine with tinned tomatoes.

[@kevinoakes1171]

Fantastic video, Martin, as always, great info and cinematography. Heads up to Phil for saving your legs walking all the way up there, and allowing you access to film. James is a superstar in the making, such a lovely guy, I could spend a day with him, just enjoying his facial expressions. Nice one on the black pudding too, only ever had it with brown sauce, gotta try it with mint sauce…., who knew ?!.

[@paulrushtie6826]

So last comment I made was about the tash. Now you've just gone n teamed it with a goatie!! You suit it, liking it, kinda jealous!! Suits you sir. haha Cool vid n amazing scenery as always.

[@markrobinson1458]

Been up top many times, even in mid summer it blows a gale, I love it in winter and over to pilgrims Cross and the trig point on Holcombe moor, its usually open when the flag is flying on top. 👍

[@danielbarrows7144]

Nice rainbow at 17:00 , love the views from the top of the tower! 🌈🗼🏔🏔🏔

[@ivanhockenhull2604]

Well, they have certainly cleaned up the Tower. When I was last there, it was Pigeon Shit Central. I will try mint sauce on black pudding as I adore both. Great cinematography as always. Great stuff, Martin. 🇯🇪

[@sorbabaric1]

Beautiful day to be there. The clouds are awesome.

[@richbrookes9297]

Great video with spectacular views from the top of the tower. Thanks Martin, James and Phil. Reminds me of Castle Hill in Huddersfield, it was windy when we went up there a few years ago.

[@martinjf467]

Mint mate, absolutely mint! I’m glad you told everyone the hole in the ground was the quarry for the stone - some dipstick started a story that it was from one of the Zeppelin’s bombs in WW1!!! Sad you didn’t go and show the shrapnel damage on the building opposite the Shoulder of Mutton though. My wife and I have abseiled off the tower before they put those anchor points in - the top of the tower was open to the elements back then I seem to recall. Back when it was going to be opened to the public my dad put on a tender to do the work (he was a builder) but he didn’t get it. A bit odd given his tender was way lower than the outfit that got the job 🤨 When I was a kid we were told there was a secret tunnel into the tower and we combed the Ramsbottom side of the hill for weeks trying to find it! Great video - a real blast from my past. I was last up there about 4 years ago taking my cat for a walk but the tower was shut sadly. Still, she’s been to the top of Darwen Tower so she got there before you 😂 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@davidjames1817]

Brilliant video Martin as always, thanks for sharing 👍

[@vizzair]

Bury market brings back memories, always remember going just to get the black puddings, then drive home to leyland and sitting in front of the fire with black pudding and mustard. (early 60's ). nice to know its still going strong.

[@David_Owsnett]

Awesome adventure Martin! Thank goodness for friends like Phil who got you inside. I noted the distance marker on the roof focused on Snaefel in the Isle of Man. I have been up to the top of Snaefel and it was just as windy there as at The Peel Tower.

[@ladymondegreen312]

One of my earliest memories is eating black pud on Bury market. In those days it was mustard or nothing! - and errr no, we didn't eat the skins.

[@silurian9420]

Nowt better than a black pudding, bacon egg & toast for breakfast. The west Pennine moors are absolutely stunning with a strong wind and angry sky.

[@JeffinBville]

James is charming and you're lucky to have him and you should treat him better/

[@gerryegan4872]

Hi guys, that was a brilliant video. I live in Whitefield, sadly I can't do the tower anymore due to me having a wheelchair. But great to see it with our sons watching it with me. Thanks guys...

[@craigfoster2849]

I was born in Bury but now live in Pittsburgh. My friend and I used to ride our bikes into town on a Saturday to get a couple of black puddings each for lunch. We always ate the skin and used mustard and salt. Super jealous of you guys going up Peel Tower, something I never did although I'd walk upto the tower several times a year. Great vlog, thank you guys

[@simonmcowan6874]

What an amazing view, apropos black pudding, the best I've ever had are the Isle of Skye Black puddings, yup from Scotland, but the best ever. I reccomend you try them. Us Scots are canny.

[@andymoseley2230]

Hmmmm Bury black pudding, could almost taste that from here.... Oh yeah the tower tour was good haha

[@anthonymilner1851]

Thanks Martin! Last time I walked up to the tower they were abseiling from the top, what a sight - and no I did not abseil - the walk up & down was enough for me. Love Bury Market, go there often & for me it's got to be mustard with black pudding, Cheers 👍👍👍

[@alexac3098]

Wow. Wow, that view from the top is really something special.

[@chascarpenter5006]

Thanks Phil, what a cracking tower to Mr Peel, Martin & Tea man, dont forget the spoon next time, love the video & music, you cant beat a bit of black pudding, love mine fried & crispy, been to Bury market, love the place & people.

[@barricadeish]

Used to work with lad from north Manchester He used to eat an onion large one and a black pudding with mustard three times a week without fail .

[@SueGirling68]

Hi Martin & James and special guest Phil, wow the tower is awesome and it has some fantastic views both from the bottom and the top. Great to hear the history and to find out how many steps to the top. I was thinking maybe that depression was the quarry for the stone. Thank you for sharing, much love. xx 💖

[@adelestevens]

When I was a kid my parents always said about peel tower..."you can see Blackpool Tower from up there" but the tower was in a state of disrepair and you couldn't go up. Many times I wished I could climb to the top and see the views. When the tower was renovated I went to the top and because it was cloudy I couldn't see Blackpool tower , but just as I was about to go back down I took another look along the line on the table , the clouds separated and illuminated by a shaft of sunlight there was Blackpool , the sea shining in the distance and Blackpool tower! A most a magical experience. Have you considered the walk to the pilgrims Cross about 2 miles away over the moors or look for Ellen Strange's monument?

[@BenG1874]

Awesome video. Thank you Martin, James and Phil

[@ryanelger07]

Being at the top of that thing would be bad enough without the wind! You've all got balls of steel!

[@shirleylynch7529]

That was brilliant. There is so much history I don’t know anything about so thank you for educating me each vlog you do. Filming excellent despite the wind. Well done.

[@stevebrooks6144]

Up here in North West Scotland we have Stornoway Black Pudding, which is gorgeous, but I still prefer Bury Black Pudding for the big lumps of Fat, awesome, and I definitely need to try both Mint Sauce and Piccalilli. Another great video, thanks guys.

[@pimpmydiecastsdiecastandto3176]

never forget having what was advertised as a full scottish breakfast ..... black pudding was replaced with haggis

[@chrisjackson4457]

Another good one Martin, I am from Tamworth where Robert Peel lived and is buried we have a statue of him in the town centre.

[@alanlake5220]

Love the aerial shots, and you can see for miles & miles. Total respect for the people who built the tower and had to transport all the stone up to the top of the hill, i'd be out of breath just walking up there !!

[@MartinZero]

Yeah great view I could spend hours up there

[@martinranson4262]

My son absailed down that with 1st Middleton Explorer Scouts. Brilliant video.

[@solarbuduk]

Lucky sods. I’ve lived in Bury since 1976 and never been inside the tower.

[@stevesrepairs5778]

Thanks Martin, when I was a kid we lived in Ainsworth and would walk to Holcombe Hill every good friday and spend the day on the hill but pick wimberries whilst we were there. I've never been inside the tower as it was always closed. Bury Black Puddings are always the best from Bury Market freshly steamed and served with mustard or nowadays with what ever you like but when I was a kid they used to have carts with steamers that served them around the town centre like hot dog stand type things they had in towns late at night in the 1970s. I could ramble on for hours about this stuff .Great beard Martin but you're starting to look like me, lol. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@valerielongmore5040]

Marvellous so interesting brilliant to see inside. Cheers guys

[@Arnie10101]

Oh it's James and Martin's older brother! :D I got my black pudding from the same stall when I was last there! Piccalilli? Damn good idea, I'll try it! Good one, guys, I've never been in the tower.

[@greghilton7797]

That wind was so strong it blew all Phil's hair away. 😁

[@jeffjones6107]

That was a brilliant video 👍

[@MartinZero]

Thank you Jeff

[@mileshigh1321]

What an amazing tower! Glad its still standing! Phil was a star for driving you up and giving you a tour! That black pudding looked delicious! You can get it here in Nova Scotia, but it does not look as good as the one you had! Tell James to use an elastic band to hold a tea spoon to the flask! lol

[@radio-ged4626]

The opening scene really was close to my heart. Years ago I used to go to Bury with my dad on the tram from Manchester Victoria Station. We always used to say we're going to get a black pudding off the market but we always ended up in the Robert Peel pub. My dad died back in 2019 and that's one of the foremost memories I have of him. On reminiscing he would say to me "We never did get those black puddings did we?". Thanks for this...happy memories. Edit: We did have fish and chips on the market though. 😃

[@jetsons101]

What a change, going from culverts, sewers to the top of that tower, what a different feel for the video. The stone work showed real craftsmanship, hats off the the builders. How did you get those great drone shots with all that wind??? Again great "brew music" What a "fun" place to spend "Halloween Night." Thanks to the team for all your time and work in posting your videos. Stay safe, Stay strong.

[@beerbuildings]

Enjoyed this video, I've walked up the hill a few times but never been in the tower. I'm sure I've caught a glimpse of that orange plastic chair when peeping in through a crack though. As for black pudding, great on a full English, or a particular favourite of mine is bacon, mushroom and black pudding on a soft white barm. No sauce.

[@Designer22]

Another beauty guys. I wonder what the old stone staircase was like. For some reason I imagine it without a handrail which would be terrifying, but people were tougher back then.

[@Stinny88]

Great video guys! I must say I have never put any sauce on black pudding. Have you tried Stornoway black pudding? It's the best I have had so far.

[@eumoria]

woo that's windy! cheers from new york city! what a beautiful view

[@Andy-From-England]

Hello Martin I love black pudding apparently its good for you I find each maker got a different recipe which is interesting....... love the video too

[@JBE]

Nice to see you made it up and in the Tower Martin 👍.

[@tonymillward3755]

The beard adds ten years Martin, you look older than me and I'm 72....lol. Love the series buddy.

[@mrbillmacneill]

well done Lads! fantastic view and a rainbow! I was also impressed at how you confronted your dislike of heights.... pushing your boundaries for sure.

[@jw3580]

Cracking video Martin. Last time we went up there couldn’t see the tower cos of the mist. Had a brew in the quarry then hiked across the moors.

[@psychokeef]

Great video Martin you’ve gone from being underground to being on top of the world. Still not tried blackpudding with mint sauce yet as I’m a traditionalist blackpudding cheese and English mustard on a cob (balmcake to you northerners) but I’ll let you know what I think when I’ve tried it. You both tried it with piccalilli which has mustard in it so your half way there. Keep your very interesting and informative videos coming 👏👍

[@davedear929]

I love the places you visit. The information is excellent. I also love the joviality between you guys. Keep it up,many thanks.

[@roysimikin9644]

I used to work on the nearby firing ranges on Holcombe Moor home of the Krypton Factor assault course and attended the World Black Pudding throwing competition in nearby Rambsbottom.

[@mac69041]

Great video Martin, I live near where you parked. If you are interested I have a couple of photos taken at the time of the damage caused during the zeppelin raid to the school and a nearby house which you talked about in your previous video. Thanks again for an excellent video.

[@brianartillery]

Great video, gents. Love that tower, and nice to see it well cared for. That black pudding looked incredible. I think I'd be a savage, and just have a good slosh of HP Sauce on it. I've just eaten a Sunday roast, and the sight of that black pudding made me hungry. Nice one. I love how your little camera van is used as an intro - it must be pretty well travelled now.

[@reubenlongworth3586]

Thank you fascinated by it for years, you're privileged, black pudding and millionaire shortbread too ,I started movember early once, it ended early too 😀

[@scragendpodsy]

Another awesome video guys. Brown sauce and or baked beans on black pudding.

[@meikleriggs]

This was a real gem to watch. I have enjoyed several of your videos; they are all good. i believe I am related several generations back to Peel, so his life and achievements are of more than little interest to me. I think his greatest achievement was the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846. Even though he split his party he had the foresight and determination to see that the repeal was the right thing to do.

[@eddyhenningsson3121]

Thw view was already nice on the ground and on the balcony so at the top wow! :-)

[@richardclegg3217]

Enjoyed tower. Views spectacular.

[@robertatkinson5065]

Crackin video as always..Darwen tower or should I say the jubilee tower also has a quarry behind it used to build the tower..fascinating stuff really enjoy your videos.

[@pattyfarghaly1821]

Loving the stash and beard. Bury market was fun. The drive up the lane was scary but worth it.

[@2H80vids]

I've heard of piccalilli with black pud but never mint sauce. I wondered, when you first mentioned mint sauce, if it was just you. Seeing it on that market stall though, it seems you were right enough. I only ever have brown sauce with mine, if I get a pudding supper in a chippie. I've always thought Westhoughton was the "home of black pudding." I seem to remember Mike Harding going on about it and singing a folk song about "Westhoughton Doris", all about black pud.

[@martindooley4439]

Excellent video as usual and a history lesson to boot. Hadn't realised the Peeler connection. As for black puds. Controversial maybe but brown sauce is the way to go although I will certainly try mint sauce next time 😄

[@JP-su8bp]

Agreed, thanks Phil and company.

[@dragonsage6909]

Great share, kind of reminds me of Battlefield Monument - Stoney Creek Battlefield Park, in Hamilton Ontario Canada.. Thank you!

[@neilbethell2299]

Great video as usual, love black pudding. Was at Bury about 2 month back for work reasons, never have time for the fun stuff you guys do. The care 👍

[@dulciemargaretcolton145]

That Tower was amazing Martin. Bit scary from the top though. Put a teaspoon in ur jacket pocket and surprise him lol

[@havingalook2]

Happy Halloween. That was my most favourite of your videos to date. Doesn't get much better than black pudding and a tower to climb. Well done. Brilliant. I loved every minute. Thank you to Phil for getting you in. I would love to get in there and do the climb. Well done everyone.

[@MrSteffen2020]

thank you Martin nice videos see you Next week