Hartcliff
Hartcliff is well-known for its folly tower (which is not normally open to the public) atop the windswept ridge south of Penistone. The nearby top road is a favourite summer picnic place with bench seats and has good views towards Langsett moors and the reservoirs. The views below show Langsett reservoirs and the bleak moors towards Derbyshire. The distant patches of purple are heather.
The Tower
The tower was originally built by Henry Richardson, a cotton merchant and Barnsley's
first mayor. Now owned by Jeff Pears of Bella Vista farm, it has been recently
restored to its former glory. Jeff's daughter Lisa urged him to have the work
done as she felt that it was part of the local heritage. To raise funds for 'Daisy
Chains' pre-school club, Lisa arranged an open day for the public and this is
how the new pictures were taken (many thanks, Lisa).
There also used to be a stone summer house nearby, but this was demolished many years ago. Although the tower is a folly there were stories that it was used for some kind of wartime work, such as a gun placement. I went up it many years ago and vaguely recall seeing steel balls set into the top, as though to fit some kind of tripod. Looking at the (undated) old picture, it looks like there was a flagpole. As there is a precedent and therefore no need for special permission, it might be a good idea to have one refitted.
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Views from the top
These pictures were taken on the very wet and windy charity open day in June 2004,
hence some camera shake. The panoramic top one does not link to anything larger.
Notice the thirteen wind turbines at Royd Moor and the distant tower of Emley
Moor transmitting station, for broadcast tv and local radio, etc. The single turbine
is at Bullhouse, almost on the road to Manchester. Please also visit the Wikipedia page.
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