Pictures of Middlesbrough
About Middlesbrough
When today you look at the thriving metropolis of Middlesbrough it seems impossible to believe that less than two hundred years ago it was a tiny fishing village with a minute community, but it was. It was the opening of an extension to the Stockton and Darlington railway together with the shipment of coal from the mining fields of Durham that finally transformed Middlesbrough into a town. Later, the discovery of ore in the Cleveland Hills gave the opportunity for the production of iron and steel.
The town grew up on the south bank of the River Tees, at a point shortly before its waters join with the sea. In the early part of the 19th-century the village had associations with a group of Quakers, these included Joseph Pease and Joseph Gurney both of whom were instrumental in pushing forward the Stockton and Darlington line which opened in 1830, thus giving birth to the town. Ironworks followed in 1840, and the South Durham and Lancashire rail line opened in 1856. The rest as they say today - is history.
Middlesbrough's most famous landmark is the Transporter Bridge across the Tees, this opened in 1911 and is the only one of its kind in England. You could be forgiven if at first glance you feel you have seen it somewhere before, because this historic bridge has featured in the film Billy Elliot and the Television series Auf Weidersehn Pet. Illuminated against the night sky, the bridge can be spotted from miles around at all times of the day and night. It offers the unique experience of being carried across the water in a cradle suspended beneath the bridge when you are a mere 160 feet above the level of the river. It really is quite amazing, carrying over 200 people, cars and a mini bus from one side to the other in just 2.1/2 minutes!
Middlesbrough is not just about coal and factories, it is a place of business and commerce with good education facilities and a rich multi-cultural society. It has shops, pubs, inns and comfortable hotels. It also has one of the most modern Roman Catholic cathedral's in the land - the foundation stone for the cathedral was laid in 1985, the building replaces an earlier cathedral of the 1870's which was destroyed by fire.
The hallowed grounds of Middlesbrough Football Club is another of the town's famous landmarks and for the energetic there is a host of things to see and do. The town is close to Captain Cook country and the Valley of the Tees. Scenic Stewart Park lies close to the birthplace of Captain Cook, here visitors will find an interesting museum close to where the great sea Captain was born in 1728. this gives visitors the chance to explore his life, times and stirring deeds. People of all ages will enjoy Newham Grange Leisure Farm, especially the children for whom it opens up a lot of fun.
Being on the banks of the Tees the town is not without a rich array of wildlife, for on the sands along the estuary you can often see basking seals and other species of sea wildlife.
There are interesting museums and for "night owls" Middlesbrough has a varied cafe society and plenty of nightlife.
Middlesbrough makes an exciting base from which you can explore the coast and the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors National Park.
