As the school holidays approach, thoughts naturally turn to days out. But, with an increase in traffic, congestion, delays and road closures, a family trip out often raises blood pressure instead of lowering it. So why not choose somewhere closer to home? Within Radcliffe there’s a site with a fascinating history, a large lawn perfect for summer picnics and outdoor games, and it’s all absolutely free.
Many newcomers to Radcliffe are unaware of its tower, and a surprising number of long-term residents who do know of its existence, have never ventured there. But whether your keen to absorb its history, or even paint or photograph it, a visit will pay dividends. Radcliffe Tower (Image: Neil Brandwood) A stronghold through the ages Radcliffe Tower is a Grade 1 listed building adjacent to Close Park.
Its journey, from the aftermath of the Norman Conquest to its present status as a cherished historical monument, mirrors the dynamic history of England itself. The story began after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, when lands were redistributed, with many Saxon properties granted to Norman nobility. Nicholas FitzGilbert de Tabois received a significant Saxon manor in what is now Radcliffe and adopted the name "de Radclyffe," meaning "of Radcliffe.
" His descendants thrived in the area, building a manorial house and a church on a site protected by the River Irwell on three sides. The name Radcliffe derives from the striking "red cliff" along the river, a distinctive feature t.
