[2] A report in the Manchester Guardian noted that, while the monument is not "a specimen of architectural beauty", it provides a conspicuous landmark and it also has a viewing platform from which to look across the surrounding countryside.[2] A statue of Peel by Edward Hodges Bailey was unveiled in Bury town centre on 8 September 1852 and a separate ceremony was held to open the tower the following day.[2] During World War II the tower was used as a lookout post,[7] and soon after was closed to the public because of corrosion of the iron stairs and safety concerns.[7] Ownership passed to Ramsbottom Borough Council, a new concrete staircase was installed, and the tower was eventually reopened and rededicated in November 1985 by Conservative Councillor Alice Maders.[2][4] The monument is now owned by Bury Metropolitan Borough Council and occasionally open to the public on Sundays if the flag is flying at the top.
The staircases of the peel tower as seen from near its summit