Middlesbrough traces its history to Anglo Saxon times, to a monastery consecrated in AD 686. The church, which later became known as Middlesbrough Priory, was run by Benedictine monks. It was however closed down by King Henry VIII during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537.
Middlesbrough was a small hamlet of modest significance until the 19th century, when it saw a quantum leap in development. This came about when a group of Quaker businessman headed by Joseph Pease bought the farmland in the area, and set about turning Middlesbrough into a transportation hub for coal.The discovery of ironstone in 1850 provided another boost to Middlesbrough, causing production of pig iron to rise tenfold from 1851 to 1856.
Unlike most English towns that began as a market town, Middlesbrough was created from scratch. As such it has streets in right angles which are not so common elsewhere in Britain.
Dorman Memorial Museum, Middlesbrough: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dorman_Museum_2011.jpg Author: MarcusBritish
The steel industry in Britain went on a gradual decline after the Second World War, yet Middlesborough managed to grow its population well into the 1960s, when its growth was finally reversed. The period of decline persisted into the early 1980s, with a turnaround recorded only in the 21st century.
Visiting Middlesbrough
You can reach Middlesbrough from London by way of Darlington. Take the A1(M) and continue on the A66(M) to Darlington. Then continue on the A66, passing Darlington, on to Middlesbrough.
Places of Interest in Middlesbrough
Acklam Hall: Oldest domestic building in Middlesbrough, dating to 1680.
Captain Cook Birthplace Museum: Public museum in Stewart Park, Marton, Middlesbrough.
Dorman Memorial Museum: General museum established in 1904 with an emphasis on natural sciences.
Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art: Modern art gallery with the second largest collection of Picassos in the United Kingdom.
North York Moors: National park protecting one of the largest heather moorland in the United Kingdom.
Ormesby Hall: Palladian-style mansion now managed by the National Trust.
Town Hall: Grade II listed building erected between 1883 and 1887.
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