At the peak, 324 metres (1,063 ft) above sea level, is a monument to Captain James Cook, who was native to the area.

At 4:10 a.m. on 11 February 1940, a Hudson aircraft took off from Thornaby airfield, to search for German minesweepers operating off the Danish coast.

As ice had formed on the wings, the aircraft failed to gain sufficient height to clear the hill.

The aircrew who died were Flying Officer Tom Parker, Sergeant Harold Berksley and Corporal Norman Drury.

[5] The Original inscription read: In 1895 after a campaign by the North-Eastern Daily Gazette the monument was fully restored by repointing and the fitting of a lightning conductor.