Iconic British monument set to be torn down this summer due to vandalism

An iconic British monument standing on the Lancashire and Greater Manchester border is set to be torn down this summer due to vandalism.

The Woodland Trust is preparing to dismantle and reconstruct a pair of ancient stone monuments known as the 'Two Lads' on moorland located on a small peak on the south western slopes of Winter Hill, north of Bolton.

The cairns - a man-made structure of stones - has drawn walkers and ramblers for hundreds of years.

However, repeated acts of vandalism and structural deterioration have prompted the conservation charity to act, the BBC reports.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

A spokesman for the trust said: "The current cairn structures are unstable and unsafe, they have been vandalised and rebuilt numerous times, with a third mound recently appearing."

The larger cairn currently fails to meet health and safety requirements, with temporary wooden fencing erected around it as a precaution.

The origins of these moorland monuments possibly stretch back over seven centuries.

Having owned the land since 2015, the Woodland Trust believes the cairns are referenced in a 1280 land deed, which belonged to Cecily, widow of Roger de Worsley.

Their first confirmed appearance of the cairns on maps dates to 1787.

Historic England's research records acknowledge the site as a monument, describing it as "a confused heap of stones, seems to be the wreckage of one or more cairns".

The site comprises one substantial cairn, the remnants of a second demolished structure and a third smaller stone arrangement positioned at some distance.

The trust's decision to rebuild the structures form part of broader efforts to safeguard the landmarks' historical importance and ensure future generations can enjoy them.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Heroic teenager beats RNLI crew to rescue men who fell from inflatable boat off Isle of Skye
• Swan death investigation in leafy English town points blame at out-of-control dog
• Summer Solstice celebrations at Stonehenge as thousands mark longest day of year

Following a public consultation, the trust has finalised a design that will restore the monuments to their original appearance.

Traditional Lancashire cairns were constructed in a distinctive beehive shape, which is how the Two Lads were initially built.

The second cairn, currently reduced to rubble beside its larger companion, will be reconstructed in its last documented position.

The trust said: "We will be rebuilding the second cairn in its last known position, so 'Two Lads' remain in the landscape."

To enhance durability, cement will be incorporated into the rebuild, though only within the internal structure to remain invisible from outside.

A mounded wall following traditional Lancashire drystone techniques will encircle the restored monuments.

A community archaeological dig is scheduled for August, with professional dry stone wallers and local volunteers contributing to the reconstruction effort.

The Woodland Trust has outlined a provisional schedule for the project, though this remains subject to weather conditions and bird surveys.

Dismantling of the existing structures is planned for between July 15 and 31.

The community archaeological excavation will run from August 3 to 14, offering an opportunity to uncover insights into the cairns' history.

Reconstruction work is set to commence on August 7 and continue through October and potentially into the winter months..

Those wishing to visit the Two Lads can access the site via Walker Fold car park, crossing the Smithills Estate before ascending to the moorland - a journey of approximately 1.7 miles.

From the summit, panoramic views extend across Lancashire's Ribble Estuary, the Peak District, the Irish Sea, and the Yorkshire Dales.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter