Saddleworth's Pots And Pans Tradition

The name Pots and Pans comes from the rock formations on the hills of Saddleworth. The large rock at the summit of Pots and Pans Hill, known as the Pots and Pans Stone or Rock, has a series of basins or large indentations on its surface, worn into the millstone grit over time by the Saddleworth weather, which resemble pots and pans.

The rock formations on the hills of Saddleworth resemble pots and pans

The rock formations on the hills of Saddleworth, which resemble pots and pans, are the reason behind the area being called Pots and Pans. The large rock, Pots and Pans Stone, sits on the summit of Aldermans Hill, overlooking Uppermill. The rock has a series of basins or large indentations on its top, which have been worn into the millstone grit over millions of years by the Saddleworth weather. These indentations are what give the rock its name, as they look like pots and pans.

The Pots and Pans Stone is also known as the Druids Stone, with superstition stating that the water that collects in the basins can cure eye diseases. There are also legends that suggest that the basins were used to collect sacrificial blood.

The boulders and rocks on the hills above Uppermill and Greenfield are also said to be remnants of a battle between two giants, Alphin and Alder, who lived on opposing hills across the Tame Valley. The friendship between the giants turned into hatred when they both fell in love with a water nymph named Rimon. Alphin lost the fight, and Rimon threw herself from the top of the hill.

The Pots and Pans War Memorial, an obelisk erected in 1923, is located near the Pots and Pans Stone. The memorial honours the people from the villages of Saddleworth who died during the First World War. It can be seen from all of the villages and is the site of an annual Remembrance Day celebration.

The Druids Stone is a large rock with indentations that resemble pots and pans

The Druids Stone, also known as Pots and Pans Stone, is a large rock with indentations that resemble pots and pans. The rock is located at the top of Aldermans Hill, overlooking Uppermill in Saddleworth. The name "Pots and Pans" comes from the series of basins or large indentations on its surface, which have been worn into the millstone grit over millions of years by the Saddleworth weather.

The rock has been the subject of various legends and folklore. One legend states that the indentations were used by druids to collect the blood of human sacrifices, and that the water collected in these basins can cure eye diseases. Another legend involves a battle between two giants, Alphin and Alder, who lived on opposing hills across the Tame Valley. The battle was sparked by their rivalry for the love of a beautiful water nymph named Rimon. Alphin lost the fight and Rimon, distraught, threw herself from the top of the hill. The Pots and Pans Stone is said to be a reminder of this ferocious battle.

In addition to its legendary past, the Druids Stone has practical significance for hikers. It serves as a marker for those hiking in the area, as it is visible from various villages and routes. The stone is also located near a war memorial, erected in 1923 to honour the individuals from the villages of Saddleworth who died during the First World War. The memorial is a popular destination for hikers and can be reached via several routes, offering beautiful views of the surrounding areas.

The rock formations are rumoured to be remnants of a battle between giants

The rock formations in Saddleworth are rumoured to be remnants of a battle between giants. The story goes that two giants, Alphin and Alder, lived across from each other on two hills marking the entrance to the Upper Tame Valley: Aldermans Hill and Alphin Pike. Their friendship turned to hatred when they both fell for a beautiful water nymph named Rimon, who lived in Chew Brook in the valley below. Rimon preferred Alphin, and a fierce fight ensued, with the giants hurling enormous boulders at each other from their respective hillside homes. Alphin lost the fight and was buried near Giants Rock on Greenfield Moor. Rimon, distraught, threw herself from the top of the hill. The rock formations that remain are said to be reminders of this battle, with the indentations being the marks left by the boulders.

The rock with the indentations is known as the Pots and Pans Stone, and it sits at the top of Aldermans Hill overlooking Uppermill. It gets its name from the series of basins or large indentations on its surface, worn into the millstone grit over millions of years by the Saddleworth weather. The largest rock on the summit may also have a druid connection, as some believe it resembles a face with a crooked nose and protruding chin from certain angles.

The Pots and Pans Stone is also known as the 'Druids Stone', with rumours that the pots and pans-shaped bowls were used to collect sacrificial blood, or to cure eye diseases. The boulders and rocks scattered across the hills above Uppermill and Greenfield are said to be remnants of the battle between Alphin and Alder, and many of them have names and stories attached, such as Oven Stones, Sugar Loaf, Dish Stone, Muffin Stones, and the Dinner Stones.

The Pots and Pans War Memorial was constructed in 1923 to honour those who died in the First World War

The Pots and Pans War Memorial was constructed in 1923 to honour the 259 people who died during the First World War from the villages of Saddleworth. The memorial is located at the top of a hill, specifically chosen so that it could be seen from all the villages. The bronze plaques on the memorial display the names of those who died and face the direction of the corresponding village.

The memorial was designed by Gilbert Howcroft and cost around £2,000 to build. It was unveiled in a ceremony that included speeches from servicemen and a rendition of the Last Post. The memorial still stands today, and on Remembrance Sunday, people walk up to the memorial to take part in a Remembrance Service to commemorate those who died in the two world wars and later conflicts.

The name 'Pots and Pans' comes from the rock formations on the hills of Saddleworth, which feature numerous indentations that resemble pots and pans. The largest rock is known as the 'Druids Stone' and is said to show a face with a crooked nose and protruding chin when viewed from certain angles. This rock also features hollowed-out basins, which, according to superstition, can cure sore eyes if filled with water.

The memorial was controversial, with some arguing for a hospital instead

The Pots and Pans War Memorial was constructed in 1923 to honour the 259 people from the villages of Saddleworth who died during World War I. The memorial is located at the top of a hill, visible from all the villages. However, its erection was not without controversy. After the war, there was a divide between those advocating for a cenotaph and those who wanted something more practical, such as a community hospital. The area lacked local medical facilities, and many former soldiers and locals supported the idea of building a hospital as a way to honour those who had lost their lives. Local scientist and historian Brandon Brierley even claimed that a hospital would be "a far worthier tribute to our noble dead than a useless obelisk".

The controversy continued into the 1920s, with Saddleworth Council finally pledging their support for the memorial on Pots and Pans Hill. The memorial was designed by Gilbert Howcroft and cost around £2,000 to construct. Despite growing unemployment and industrial decline, the plan went ahead, and the memorial was completed in October 1923 after five months of construction. The names of the 259 men who died were inscribed on plaques that faced their respective villages.

To this day, on Remembrance Sunday, people walk up to the memorial to take part in a Remembrance Service honouring those who have fallen in wars and conflicts. While the memorial has become a significant site for remembrance and commemoration, the controversy surrounding its construction highlights the complex decisions communities must make when determining how best to honour their fallen members.

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