Old Man Of Mow - Mow Cop, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.
N 53° 06.903 W 002° 12.797
30U E 552655 N 5885358
The Old Man of Mow can be found beside the path of the Gritstone Trail almost at the summit of the hill in the village of Mow Cop.
Waymark Code: WMWDCY
Location: West Midlands, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 08/18/2017
Views: 9
The Old Man of Mow is a pillar of gritstone which was left standing after the stone around it had been quarried away.
The Old Man of Mow is situated on the site of an ancient cairn that would have been the high point of the land. It was described in about 1530 as a `Roke of old stones that of old times have been reared'.
The top of the Old Man O’Mow stands 65 ft high, its top is 1100 ft above sea level. Its shape from certain angles is said to look like the form of some giant man, thus giving it its name. (
visit link)
This area is a popular location due to its folly, viewpoints etc. The National Trust has concerns over the state of the rock and dangers to the public. Rock Climbing is not allowed on The Old Man (it continues to shed rock and lean with increasing angle each year).
In 1923 the castle and all the surrounding lands (including the Old Man O' Mow) were purchased from the late Sir Philip Baker-Wilbraham by Joe Lovatt for the purpose of quarrying. What followed was a bitter legal wrangle that lasted up until 1935.
Eventually the quarrying stopped and in June 1937, the deeds for the castle and surrounding lands were handed over to the National Trust. (
visit link)