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Activity programme

A volunteer taking part in Tennant Square's archaeological dig

A a comprehensive heritage activity, engagement and learning programme is being delivered through the project. There will be a range of opportunities for people to get involved, learn more about the history of the area, attend fun and interesting events and learn new skills.

Maintenance Guide - maintain to gain

Traditional and historic buildings are an important part of the townscape and are valued for their character and distinctiveness. The Maintenance Guide gives practical steps to maintain historic buildings and protect their value as an asset.

View the maintain to gain document (PDF) [789KB]

 

Exhibition - the finds from Tennant Square's archaeological dig 

Selection of pottery and glass found at the Tennant Square excavation

The archaeological dig exhibition which took place in Stockton library

Ceramic lights found at the Tennant Square excavation in Stockton

A free exhibition took place to showcase items found during the archaeological dig at Tennant Square.

The historical remains from site were displayed for members of the public to view and two workshops were held to present the results and discuss the finds. 

 

Building condition survey

A volunteer taking part in the Building Condition Survey in Stockton

Building Condition Surveys were undertaken on properties in the Stockton Town Centre Conservation Area. You can obtain a copy of the survey on your property if you own a building in this area.

Contact the Townscape Heritage project team to request a copy

 

Local History Month - May

Local History month takes place every May. Activites took place across the month to raise awareness of Townscape Heritage Project and to highlight Stockton's local history.

An online history of 148 High Street

148 High Street in Stockton from Vicarage to retail

148 High Street is part of the town's shopping scene. The residential character of the building was once home to some of Stockton's prominent figures including William Christopher, Shipbuilder and Captain of the Hudson's Bay Company in the 18th Century.

The online presentation gave a brief timeline of the address including its acquisition by the Parish Church as the Vicarage.

Walking Tour of Stockton High Street

The guided walk around Stockton High Street allowed people to discover the history of its buildings and hear about the people who lived and worked here.

 

The Living Memories project

The Living Memories project is a way of recording memories of Stockton town centre. The project captures and reflects on the historic changes to the area over time.

A series of postcards have been produced showing pictures and historic scenes in the town and are free for members of the public to collect and complete to share their memories of Stockton. 

The postcards are available to collect and submit at:

  • Enjoy Stockton, 134 High Street, Stockton. TS18 1LP.
  • Stockton Central Library, Church Road, Stockton. TS18 1TU.

Memories can include a favourite shop, a poignant visit to the market or a memorable event that they attended. As part of this, the team are also looking for memories from people who remember the Congregational Church that once stood on Tennant Square or who have visited there in the past.

Tennant Square's archaeological excavation

A rare archaeological excavation took place in Tennant Square  in Stockton Town Centre in 2021. The dig was led by Tees Archaeology and the Council's Townscape Heritage Project team.

It took place between Laing Street and Tennant Street on the site of the former Norton Road Congregational Church which dates back to 1845.

30 local volunteers took part in the dig, which was an exciting opportunity to explore the site and find out more about its history.  140 school children from Tilery Primary School and Mill Lane Primary School also attended the site.

The excavation uncovered the northeast corner of the Congregational Church wall boundaries which shows the exact location of the former church. The site on Tennant Square will be left exposed for members of the public to view until works begin on the public realm in Summer 2022.

Town Heritage dig

Some of the key 19th Century finds from the site include:

  • The Congregational Church wall boundaries, showing the exact location of the church with the northeast corner exposed.
  • Construction material from the church including bricks faced with render. This shows that the building was brick and not stone construction.
  • Artefacts from those using the church, including pottery, glass from bottles and clay pipes.
  • Internal plaster mouldings, pieces of floorboards and handmade nails, slate from roof tiles and damp course, stained glass from windows and historical ceramic light switches. 
  • Some pre-19th Century artifacts were also found including a suspected piece of medieval green glazed pottery.  

All of the finds will be processed by Tees Archaeology and a full report will be available soon.

Drone survey

Drone surveys are carried out to look at the condition of buildings and will be undertaken throughout the project. The drone provides views of the buildings that would otherwise be inaccessible and helps to identify if the building has any issues.

Footage of Stockton High Street captured in the Townscape Heritage Project's drone survey