CASTLE HILL.
Castle hill is a special landmark for many people. It is an impressive example of an ancient iron age hill fort which dates back over 4000 years. As a scheduled ancient monument it is protected by law as an archaeological site of major national importance. On top of the hill stands Victoria Tower which was built in 1897 to commemorate queen Victoria`s diamond jubilee. The network of accessible footpaths around the site enable visitors to enjoy this magnificent monument and the spectacular panoramic views of the area. Castle Hill is in Almondbury overlooking Huddersfield in the metropolitan borough of Kirklees, west Yorkshire, England.
THE VICTORIA TOWER.
In 1897 queen Victoria had reigned over the British Empire for 60 years. The people of Huddersfield celebrated this unique event by building this tower and called it the Jubilee Tower. After getting permission from the queen herself, it`s name was changed to the Victoria Tower. It was opened on 24th June 1899 by the Earl of Scarborough, watched by a crowd of about 20,000 people. Unfortunately the special gold key given to the earl to open the door wouldn't work, but after a short delay a more practical key was found. A choir of forty fine local singers sang from the top of the tower, but as the wind was particularly strong that day, no one in the crowd below could hear them. The tower is built of stone quarried nearby at Crosland Hill. The tower is 32.3 metres high. The top is 350 metres above sea level. In 1960, the height of the tower was reduced for safety reasons. In 1977 a light was put at the top to mark the silver jubilee of queen Elizabeth II. There are 165 steps to climb to reach the viewing platform.
TOWER TRAGEDY.
On the 14th November 1899, Mr Edgar North fell to his death from the top of the turret. Although suicide was mentioned it was thought that the victim had most likely died as a result of an accident, brought about by drinking five `three penny specials` at the Castle Hill hotel. Each `special` included two beers and three whiskies. After this accident, fencing was put around the viewing platform.
VIEWS FROM CASTLE HILL.
View of Huddersfield.
~~~~<<<<>>>>~~~~
This is something else, Les! I do like the tower. And, the scenery is really nice. The history of the site makes this stand out more than a lot of other areas. I mean, come on. A fort 4000 years ago? Wow!!! The tower is good and sturdy looking to me. Those "3 penny specials" sound kinda mean, especially 5 of them. ARRRGGGGG!!!!! Edgar North probably thought he was King Kong or something. Oh, well. Good photos as always and I do like the history of the place. Ya done good, my friend!
ReplyDelete