Old Stockton-on-Tees Including Norton and Thornaby

Stockton-on-Tees has a long history stretching back to the 12th century. For centuries it was the lowest bridging point on the River Tees and thus had military and commercial significance as well as being a bustling port. Although superseded by the rise of Middlesbrough in the 19th century various ironworks started up and of course Stockton was one end of the world's first railway and so kept growing despite being overshadowed bu its neighbour. So all in all it is a very interesting place. Paul Chrystal's picture selection and captions tell the story of the town from early times to its 20th century heyday. The photos include street scenes with electric trams, shipbuilding, railways and the ironworks plus social history including shops and slums.