Monthly Archives: February 2012

Stockton Market Cross

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

Stockton Market Cross

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.

Roman Ingleby Barwick

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A Roman settlement was discovered a few years ago during the development of The Forum area of Ingleby Barwick. A Roman Villa is still unexcavated and being preserved under the village green. The rest of the site was excavated just before building houses.

Many thanks to Nat Snell for bringing this one to my attention, below is a slideshow of his pictures of the excavations.

There a lot more detail available on this site on the Tees Archaeology website

Victoria Bridge, Stockton

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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.
Victoria Bridge Stockton
Victoria Bridge Stockton
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
Victoria Bridge Stockton
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.
Victoria Bridge Stockton
Another interesting observation is that parts of the bridge still carry damage from the Second World War bombing of Stockton.
Victoria Bridge Stockton - Bomb Damage

Head Wrightson No 21 – Stockton

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This unusual ‘coffee pot’ locomotive built by Head Wrightson of Thornaby dates from 1870
Head Wrightson No.21 Stockton
Head Wrightson No.21 Stockton
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
Head Wrightson No.33 (Seaham Harbour 17)
Head Wrightson No.33 (Seaham Harbour 17)
Also at Beamish is the more recently restored Coffee Pot No.1
Head Wrightson Coffee Pot No.1

Update : As of August 2012 the loco has been removed from the roundabout and relocated to Preston Park Museum. I will try to get some photos after they’ve given it a lick of paint perhaps ?

Ivy Close – Most Beautiful Woman in the World

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Ivy Close was a silent film actress born in Stockton in 1890 (although some websites say 1893, nothing new with confusion about actresses ages)

Ivy Close - Stockton

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.