Ever wondered what life was like in the early days of Middlesbrough? Read on to discover just how the town as we know it got started, and how very different it is to today’s modern commercial centre.
The Beginnings of Middlesbrough
An early depiction of a Stockton & Darlington locomotive arriving at a newly established Middlesbrough.
Middlesbrough as we know it is a relatively young town. Founded on the back of the success of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, which first brought steam powered railways to the world. It allowed coal from the Durham coalfields to be transported to the ports for shipping at Stockton.
However, an idea was soon hatched to extend the railway closer to the sea from Stockton’s crowded port, and an area alongside the River Tees was developed with new staithes and moorings for ships.
This was affectionately known as Port Darlington, and was situated alongside a small farmstead at Middlesbrough – an ancient place where a small monastery once stood.
Middlesbrough’s First House
Middlesbrough’s first house. Taken from Middlesbrough A Colourful Past
As this new port grew, there was a need for accommodation and businesses to support workers.
A new town was laid out in a grid pattern of streets, with a central marketplace. Plots were sold off, and entrepreneurial people began looking to develop this place.
The first house to be built was on what was known as West Street. It was plot number 46 of the new town. Some state it was number 20, whilst others 26 West Street.
George Chapman built the abode, which resembled a standard terraced house as we know it today, in April 1830. He later sold it to Robert Morrow, in 1831.
The first house likely had a parlour, kitchen and two bedrooms when first built.
The house was soon joined by many other buildings on the streets of this new town, with familiar landmarks like the old Town Hall, Customs House, St Hilda’s Parish Church and even an early railway station.
What Happened to Middlesbrough’s First House?
The plaque above the door.
Middlesbrough’s first house lasted many years.
The area around it became known as St Hilda’s (or “Over The Border” colloquially) as the town spread further south over the railway tracks.
It had a stone plaque placed above the door which noted the fact it was the first house in Middlesbrough, built by George Chapman.
Over the years many people lived and were even born there.
The house survived until 1959 when the St Hilda’s area started to become unsuitable for the modern population and less attractive as a place to live. It was demolished, and newer buildings erected in the area through the 1960s.
The site of West Street today
Today, the site remains vacant as the St Hilda’s area is slowly revitalised. Nearby, the old Town Hall is soon to be refurbished and brought back into use, and other new buildings are set to bring more life into the area.
One surviving element from Middlesbrough’s first house, however, is the plaque which is now on display in the Dorman Museum. You can still go and see it today.
Do you remember Middlesbrough’s first house? Did you ever go inside, or even live there? Leave a comment below!
Title image via Araf Chohan