Middlesbrough History

In 1800 AD, Middlesbrough was a hamlet comprising of four farms and a population of 25.

But in 1830, Quaker businessman Joseph Pease bought land to build a coal-export port; and then in 1841, John Vaughan and Henry Blockow built the 'Boro's first iron foundry.

By 1880, Middlesbrough had become the World's largest producer of steel - using iron-ore sourced from pits around North Yorkshire - including those of Rosedale.

From that time onwards, Middlesbrough company Dorman-Long developed the town's reputation for building steel bridges.

So today, you'll find Doorman-Long's steel bridges spanning the Tyne in Newcastle and the Thames at Lambeth. 

You'll also find Middlesbrough steel in bridges across the World's other greatest rivers; including the Nile, the Yangtze, the Bosphourus and even the Zambezi at Victoria Falls. 

But perhaps most famous of all, you'll find the "made in Middlesbrough" brand stamped on the steel girders which were used to build  the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932.

A visit to Middlesbrough by car today is a pleasent drive across the North Yorkshire Moors National Park from Rosedale Abbey.  Although an industrial city with no great claims for tourist awards, there are actually a few "gems" which any discerning visitor to this part of the World might like to visit.

First on the list would be a visit to Boro's very own Teeside Transporter Bridge.  It is well worth a visit to this iconic symbol of industrial  Tesside and to take a trip over  the River Tees via the suspended gondola.  The Transporter bridge is the largest of it's type in the World and one of only two "transporters" in the UK.

If you're a football fan; we'd also recommend a visit to watch "the Boro" play soccer at their home ground at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday's during the football season.  Currently in the Championship division; we always hold high hopes of a return to the Premiership!

For history-buffs, we'd suggest a visit to both Ormesby Hall and to Kirkleatham conservation village on the outskirts of the city.  At Kirkleatham you'll find the museum in the old hall and the Owl centre are most fascinating.

You'll also find the start-point for the Captain Cook Trail at Captain Cook's Birthplace Museum in Marton.

And if you're into canoing, you'll find the Tees Barrage International White Water Rafting Centre will make for a very thrilling day out.  It's worth a trip just to watch the kyackers if you're not so keen on the water yourself!  Telephone  01642 678000 for further details.  

All the attractions listed above are well worth a visit during a stay in this part of Yorkshire.

Rosella Luxury Holiday Cottage

Rosella Cottage is a luxurious self-catering holiday home in Rosedale Abbey.  We accommodate active couples in a village-centre location; and it's easy to walk to the local shop, cafes, gallery, & village pubs with great restaurants. 

Built in 1850 and recently completely refurbished, Rosella Cottage has a lovely and luxurious sense of place in the heart of the North York Moors.   For availability and bookings enquiries,  just click here.