Stockton Market Cross

Posted on February 8, 2012 by chris.twigg

The present market cross designed by John Shout was constructed in 1875 at a cost of £45, replacing an earlier cross.

A surveyors benchmark can be seen at the base of the column, its also said that the flame was once gilded so it resembled a giant match in honour of local inventor John Walker.

The cross has been the center of attention for many years, founding Methodist John Wesley preached from the steps and it was the site of the local stocks.
In 1933 it was the scene of ‘The Battle of Stockton‘ a clash with Mosley’s fascist blackshirts.

Replica HM Bark Endeavour, Stockton

Posted on February 7, 2012 by chris.twigg

Show on map

This ship is a full scale replica of Captain James Cook’s original
Although the same size, this replica is built with a steel frame rather than timber and is not designed to go to sea.

The boat is permanently in Stockton, although there is a second full-size replica in existance which does tour the world.

Racing Ahead – Stockton

Posted on February 6, 2012 by chris.twigg

Show on map

This sculpture of greyhounds by Irene Brown was installed in 1995

It was originally on Dovecot Street, but was relocated when the Wellington Square shopping centre was built

Victoria Bridge, Stockton

Posted on February 5, 2012 by chris.twigg

Show on map

The bridge was opened on 20th June 1887 by Alderman Joseph Richardson, named the Victoria Bridge after the Queen as that day was the 50th anniversary of her reign.

The other plaque records that the Stockton Bridge Act was passed on the 18th July 1881 and the bridge was a joint effort between the Stockton Corporation and the South Stockton Local Board

Despite the huge amount of local industry it was actually built by Whitaker Brothers of Leeds, something reflected in the lamps that were cast by John Butler at the Stanningley Ironworks near Leeds.

Another interesting observation is that parts of the bridge still carry damage from the Second World War bombing of Stockton.

Head Wrightson No 21 – Stockton

Posted on February 4, 2012 by chris.twigg

Show on map

This unusual ‘coffee pot’ locomotive built by Head Wrightson of Thornaby dates from 1870

The loco spent most of its working life at Seaham Harbour where it was designated “16″

Coffee Pot No.33 from 1873 was also used at Seaham (where it was designated “17″) this locomotive can now be seen at Beamish

Also at Beamish is the more recently restored Coffee Pot No.1

Ivy Close – Most Beautiful Woman in the World

Posted on February 3, 2012 by chris.twigg

Show on map

Ivy Close was a silent film actress born in Stockton in 1890 (although this plaque says 1893, nothing new with confusion about actresses ages)

Ivy won ‘The Most Beautiful Woman in the World’ contest organised by The Daily Mirror in 1908. Theres a huge amount of additional information and photos on the Picture Stockton site.

She was married to the photographer Elwin Neame, their son Roland Neame directed many films including The Poseidon Adventure.
The dynasty continued with their TV producer grandson Christopher Neame and great-grandson Gareth Neame.

John Walker’s Shop – Stockton

Posted on February 2, 2012 by chris.twigg

Show on map

John Walkers sold his friction matches at his chemist and druggist at 59 High Street

The original building it now gone and replaced by the Castlegate Centre, although the location is now Boots, so still a chemists.

John Walker Bust – Stockton

Posted on February 1, 2012 by chris.twigg

Show on map

John Walker (1781-1859) was the inventor of the friction match, this bust by Jose Sarabia dates from 1977.

The later plaque was unveiled on 29th May 1981 on the bi-centenary of Walkers birth at 104 High Street, all of that side of the High Street has since been redeveloped as the Castlegate shopping centre.

The Flaming Stump and the Portrack Cut

Posted on January 1, 2012 by chris.twigg

Show on map

The Flaming Stump was an inn that stood on Portrack Lane, by the banks of the Tees. It was rumoured to be heavily involved in smuggling and featured the eloborate ‘Angel Room’ sculpted by a craftsman called Palini

The course of the Tees was shortened and straightened by the Tees Navigation Company and the Portrack Cut was completed in 1831, although the old course of the river is still very apparent on this 1899 map before the area was developed. This change lead to the inn closing and becoming Portrack Grange Farm also shown on the map below.

The buildings were still in existance as late at 1959 before being demolished, fortunately a photograph exists of the Angel Room in 1950