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‘Uncle’ John the Pie Man was the third of six commissioned bronze statues produced by Escar UK Bronze for Tameside Greater Manchester Council, England
John the Pie Man was unveiled on the 23rd of September 2005 by the Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Jacqueline Lane, and stands in Ashton-under-Lyne’s market square in honour of a beloved figure in the town’s history
In the late 1800’s, Ashton-under-Lyne featured a diverse catering scene, ranging from upscale establishments such as ‘The Lounge,’ to street vendors like ‘Uncle John’
During the 19th century vendors like John played a crucial role in urban life by offering portable and affordable food that catered to diverse tastes and John’s particularly friendly demeanour made him a well-loved figure in Ashton-under-Lyne’s marketplace, contributing to its vibrant atmosphere
‘Ashton’s Pie Man,’ as John Harrison was also known, actually started his career as a collier but then transitioned to catering by opening a restaurant on Market Street where he became renowned for his pies, which he also sold at local football matches
Celebrated in English culinary folklore, John’s pies with their flaky crusts and rich fillings, gained him a loyal following, highlighted his exceptional baking techniques
John’s legacy extended beyond his culinary skills as during the Cotton Famine of 1861-1865, he provided free meals to miners and cotton workers, earning him a well deserved reputation as a community benefactor, until his passing in December 1906
In popular culture, John the Pie Man remains immortalised in nursery rhymes and folklore as the quintessential street vendor who brought joy and sustenance to the masses, underscoring the vital role of food vendors in urban life and culinary heritage
Today his spirit lives on in modern street food culture where vendors constantly innovate to offer convenient and delicious meals, at affordable prices
Ashton-under-Lyne’s Market, dating back over 700 years, has alway been a pivotal hub as industries developed in the nineteenth century
The historic Market Hall, established in 1826 and extended over time, tragically suffered a fire in May 2004 which devastated the businesses within
The Market Hall has since recovered from the fire but Covid, rising rents, increased energy costs and the cost of living crisis are all threatening its current future
Escar UK Bronze sincerely hopes it can weather the storm as over the years it has come to symbolise the resilience and enduring community spirit of Ashton-under-Lyne and friends still regularly meet up there to share a pie, rather than chat over tea and scones
The finished bronze statue varies slightly from the initial Concept Drawings as it was decided that the cloth over the basket should be pulled back, to reveal the delicious pies beneath