Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Stockton-on-Tees Local History Group

The Stockton-on-Tees local history group is a small group which started in May 2001 to learn more about the history of Stockton-on-Tees.

We have conducted research into various aspects of the town's history and we produce two local history journals a year - the 'Stockton-on-Tees Local History Journal'.

The group is self supporting; the members contribute to the costs. We welcome enquiries and information about Stockton's history. As we are all volunteers we cannot undertake to do research for family historians or student projects. However, many of our articles contain family history information.

Contact us:
Susan McLaurin
Secretary, Stockton Local History Group
29 Malvern Drive
Stokesley
Cleveland TS9 5NS

Tel. 01642 710838

Projects
The Stockton-on-Tees Local History Group would like to make the Stockton-on-Tees Local History Journal available to a wider audience. Below you will find a list of journals and articles, with a short summary of each article. Pictures are included in the articles where possible. If you would like a copy of a journal or an individual article please contact the Secretary. A charge is made to cover the cost of printing and postage. The journals (or articles) are produced as A5 booklets.

A list of Stockton-on-Tees Local History Journals and Articles -

Stockton History Journal No 1 (2001):
1a The Rise and Fall of Joseph Dodds, MP for Stockton 1868-88
The story of a successful solicitor and land agent in Stockton who over-reached
himself and left office in disgrace. (18 pages)
1b The Stafford Pottery in South Stockton (Thornaby)
Written by a former museum officer; based on her research. (17 pages)
1c Stockton and Thornaby Hospital 1862-1926
Background information and how the voluntary hospital was run. (22 pages)

Stockton History Journal No 2 (Spring 2002):
2a Stockton Races c1724-1981
Stockton was a picturesque town in the 18th century and a popular venue for horse racing. (18 pages)
2b Stockton's Chemical Industry
Stockton-on-Tees Chemical Works at Bowesfield Lane from 1915 and Elementis Chromium Company, Eaglescliffe. (6 pages)
2c Wartime School Days in Stockton
Childhood memories of air raids and visits to the countryside. (14 pages)
2d The Changing Face of the Health Service
By the matron of Stockton & Thornaby Hospital 1952-72. (11 pages)
2e A Life in Nursing - interview
The former matron of Stockton & Thornaby Hospital recalling her childhood and her career from 1925 to 1972. (9 pages)
Stockton History Journal No 3 (Autumn 2002):
3a A History of brick making in Stockton-on-Tees
An introduction to the subject, which is intended to become a book on the Brickworks of the Tees Valley. (13 pages)
3b Stockton Biographies: Dr Charles Trotter, surgeon and politician 1803-77
An important figure in Stockton's history; instrumental in obtaining a local board of health for Stockton. (9 pages)
3c Dr Trotter and the struggle for Public Health in Stockton
Follows on from the previous article. Provides background information on public health in Stockton, the Ranger Report, opposition to it, and the Stockton Extension and Improvement Act of 1852. (22 pages)
3d Stockton Biographies: Thomas Sheraton, furniture designer 1751-1806
New information on Sheraton's birth. He left Stockton when he was about 40 years old to live in London where he died in poverty. (8 pages)
3e Stockton Biographies: Joshua Byers, timber and lead merchant 1798-1867
A brief description of a typical Quaker businessman and benefactor. (5 pages)

Stockton History Journal No 4 (Spring 2003):
4a Three Stockton Ships; the "STOCKTON", the "TEES" and the "THAMES".
Written by the late James Layton, an expert on ships. (5 pages)
4b Notes on some early Stockton shipping companies.
Shipping companies set up by groups of merchants to travel between Stockton and London. (7 pages)
4c Stockton Biographies: Christopher Tennant, railway promoter 1780-1839
The instigator of the Clarence Railway, which ran to Norton, Stockton and Port Clarence. (9 pages)
4d Stockton biographies: George Brown, benefactor to Stockton 1759-1814
A wealthy merchant who lived in Stockton and London. He purchased lead mines in Swaledale. (21 pages)
4e Stockton Steam Engines: Coffeepots - the survivors.
There is an example on the roundabout on Bridge Road, Stockton. (3 pages)

Stockton History Journal No 5 (Autumn 2003):
5a Charles Arthur Head and Thomas Wrightson of Head Wrightson, Thornaby
Background notes on a large local employer. (27 pages)
5b The Clephans of Stockton-on-Tees
An interesting family including a builder, an architect and a newspaper editor, and one member who donated the 'Dice Players' to Stockton. (8 pages)
5c The Heavisides of Stockton-on-Tees
Local printers and publishers; authors of local history and topographical books.
(7 pages)
5d Industries on Norton Road
Notes on Fossick & Hackworth, Blairs, Hills, Downing and Sons. (19 pages)

Stockton History Journal No 6 (Spring 2004):
6a Roads and road vehicles of the Stockton District
Includes stage coaches, steam rollers, the horse omnibus and steam wagons.
(27 pages)
6b The Clarence Potteries, Norton.
An article which first appeared in the Northern Ceramic Journal; reproduced in the Stockton History Journal with permission from the author. (17 pages)
6c History of Stockton Lectures No 1 - Anglo-Saxons and Normans
Includes information on the bishops, the castle and the market.(21 pages)
Stockton History Journal No 7 (Autumn 2004):
7a Stockton Biographies: Thomas Wren & Sons, millers and corn merchants.
New information on one of Stockton's main industries. (26 pages)
(There is a postscript and further information in Journal 8 (9 pages))
7b Stockton Transport: the motor omnibus.
Trams and buses from 1914 to 1968; includes detailed lists (24 pages)
7c The Moorhouse Farm Estate, Eaglescliffe: resettling unemployed miners.
An agricultural settlement created in the 1930s. (5 pages)
7d The Dodshon Memorial
Information on the drinking fountain in front of M & S. (2 pages)

Stockton History Journal No 8 (January 2005):
8a A weaver went to war; David Haslock 1809-1884
A fascinating story tracing the history of a soldier from a fragment of his uniform discovered at Preston Hall Museum. (6 pages)
8b A History of Cycling in Stockton-on-Tees
A long article including cycling clubs, the Richmond Meet and Jack Taylor's cycle shop on Church Road. (29 pages)
8c The Police Force in Stockton-on-Tees
Written by the granddaughter of a Stockton policeman. (7 pages)
8d Agriculture; Stockton Grange Farm, 1948
A survey by a schoolboy; Stockton Museum Collection. (5 pages)

Stockton History Journal No 9 (May 2005):
9a Railway Passenger Services from Stockton, 1922
Recalling the heyday of train journeys. (17 pages)
9b My year as mayor (2003-4): Councillor Ann Cains
An insight into local government and the functions of the mayor. (13 pages)
9c History of Stockton Lectures No 2: Stockton from 1649 to 1800
Examples of buildings and early industries; includes Portrack. (19 pages)
9d Kelly's Ferry circa 1914
Popular with workmen travelling from Stockton to Thornaby. (8 pages)

Stockton History Journal No 10 (Winter 2005):
10a An early 18th century Stockton merchant's Letter Book
A chance discovery in Stockton library, which gives insights into trade at the beginning of the 18th century. (18 pages)
10b Footpaths and railway crossings in Stockton-on-Tees
Includes problems with level crossings. (15 pages)
10c The Wilsons of William Street, Stockton
Reminiscences of the 1920s sent to Stockton Museum Service. (15 pages)
10d Dr M'Gonigle, a summary of his work at Stockton 1924-39
Stockton Council's famous Medical Officer of Health. (8 pages)

Stockton History Journal No 11 (Spring 2006):
11a Stockton Railway History: St John's Crossing, Bridge Road.
The original Stockton & Darlington weigh house, coal depot and Railway Tavern, plus passenger stations and goods stations up to the 1970s. (31 pages)
11b Stockton Railway History: Saving 48 Bridge Road, historic railway building.
How the original S & D weigh-house was saved from demolition. (17 pages)
11c Stockton Railway History: Bridge Road in maps.
Extracts from maps to show the position of railway buildings. (6 pages)
11d Railway Time Line: St John's Crossing, Bridge Road (1 page)
Stockton History Journal No 12: forthcoming Autumn 2006
12a Stockton Biographies; Andrew Brown, early iron founder.
12b The Railway Stations of Stockton and district.
12c Stockton Biographies; Col. G. O. Spence
12d Stockton's MPs.