Saddleworth War Memorial

Saddleworth War Memorial is a stone obelisk on Pots and Pans Hill (Alderman's Hill) near Tunstead, in Saddleworth, part of the Metropolitan Borough of Oldham, Greater Manchester. It stands high above the villages it honours and has been Grade II listed since 1986.

What is it, and who does it commemorate?

The obelisk was unveiled on 6 October 1923 as the shared memorial for the whole of Saddleworth: Greenfield, Delph, Denshaw, Diggle, Dobcross, Grasscroft and Uppermill. It first recorded the dead of the First World War, and names from the Second World War were added in 1951. One source puts the combined total at about 259 names. Its inscription says it was raised by the people of Saddleworth in 1923.

What does it look like?

The architect was Howcroft of Uppermill and the builder was C. Winterbottom. The monument is a tall ashlar obelisk on a stylobate. Rolls of honour cover the sides, and each face carries a carved sword, a reeded band and a wreath. The Historic England listing (entry 1163991) was made on 3 July 1986.

How is it different from the Uppermill memorial?

Saddleworth has more than one important war memorial, and people often mix them up. The hilltop obelisk is the one described here. The other, topped by a carved angel, stands in St Chad's Gardens in Uppermill. It was unveiled in October 1921 for 252 men lost in the First World War and has its own listing. Churches in the area and Saddleworth Museum & Gallery also hold commemorative plaques, each with a separate IWM War Memorials Register record.

How do I get there?

The memorial stands on open hillside above Greenfield and Uppermill, so reaching it means a walk on footpaths. Start from one of the valley villages and wear sturdy footwear. It is an outdoor monument with free access and no ticketing, and no opening hours are published. The hilltop is exposed, so bring a windproof layer.

What else is nearby?

The hill lies within the Peak District National Park, with views over the Saddleworth valley and surrounding moorland. In Uppermill you can visit Saddleworth Museum & Gallery and the St Chad's Gardens memorial.

When should I visit?

Choose a clear day between late spring and early autumn, when paths are drier and views are best. Local Remembrance events take place around November; check local council listings for exact times.

Frequently asked questions

Is the memorial a listed monument?

Yes. Historic England listed it at Grade II on 3 July 1986 (entry 1163991).

Who designed it and when was it unveiled?

It was unveiled in 1923. The architect was Howcroft of Uppermill and the builder was C. Winterbottom.

Do I need a ticket?

No. It is an outdoor memorial reached on foot across the hillside.

Is this the same memorial as the one in St Chad's Gardens, Uppermill?

No. They are two separate memorials: the 1923 obelisk on the hill and the 1921 figurative memorial in Uppermill.