In 1800, the town of Middlesbrough did not exist, it was a farm with a small agricultural community of 25 people. Yet by the end of the nineteenth century it was a booming iron and steel town with a population of almost 90 000.
The Railways and the Port
The opening of the world's first passenger railway in 1825 encouraged the growth of heavy industry which transformed the town from a rural location into one noted for its industry. It was also an event that would change the face of the world for ever and heralded a new era in trade, industry and travel. The line also carried coal to the riverside docks, bringing great prosperity to the area.
The Railway line was extended to Middlesbrough and over the next few years the town and port were established in tandem.
The Iron and Steel Industry
Middlesbrough's growth continued at a breathtaking pace with the discovery of Iron Ore in the surrounding hills. Ths enabled the famous industrialists John Vaughen and Henry Bolckow to produce iron from start to finish within the town. Iron ore was then to replace coal as Middlesbrough's lifeblood and principal export.
Throughout most of the 20th century, Middlesbrough's engineering giants such as Dorman Long designed and built iconic structures around the world e.g. the Sydney Harbour Bridge, usually from steel, made in Middlesbrough and then transported on ships built in the town. A further famous bridge, The Transporter Bridge was opened in 1911 and is the only working bridge of its type in England.
Today, Middlesbrough is still a world class centre for the steel and chemical industries and its port, now relocated down river - Teesport, is one of the largest in the country.
Ironopolis by Ian Horn
Ironopolis by Ian Horn
Where alchemists
Were born
Below Cleveland’s hills
A giant blue dragonfly
Across the Tees
Reminds us every night
We built the world,
Every metropolis
Came from
Ironopolis
One of the world's foremost Shipbuilding Centres
Shipbuilding had long been an industry on the Tees even before the emergence of the Iron and Steel Industry in the 1800s. However, the ships of this time were constructed of wood and it was not until the Iron and Steel Industry came to the fore that shipbuilding really took off on the Tees. By the end of the 1800's six shipbuilding companies had established themselves on the Tees with the North East producing 42% of the world's merchant shipping. Teesside became one of the world's foremost shipbuilding centres in the early 1900's when the company Smith's Dock set up shop in 1908.
The Chemical Industry
The first chemical company in the area started in 1833, other companies did not start to appear until Bolckow and Vaughen discovered salt under their Cleveland Iron Works in 1863. Salt was then discovered at other location across the Teesside region and a number of other companies emerged.
The first world war, highlighted the need in Britain to produce its own chemicals and in 1926 a number of companies merged to form a new company with the aim of producing chemicals for the British Empire - Imperial Chemical Industries based at nearby Wilton. Other chemical companies also started to emerge and British Steel also played a major part in the region's economy and growth.
Today the industry which makes its home here is much greener than before, the town enjoys the status of Environment City. There are many buildings and places that remain as echoes of our heritage, for Middlesbrough was not only the first town to be created by the railway, it was also the birthpalce of international explorer Captain James Cook. There are tributes to Cook hiding around every corner.
Dorman Museum
The history of the region's geological, social and industrial heritage can be seen at the Dorman Museum. The museum opened to the public in 1904 and has on display the largest publicly-owned collection of Linthorpe Pottery as well as an amazing ornithological collection, perserved in its original Edwardian setting. Enjoy the great range of eight themed display galleries, full disabled access throughout and additional facilities such as café and education suite.
The museum is located next to Albert Park and the Cenotaph just off Linthorpe Road. Middlesbrough railway and bus stations are a 20 minute walk away on a mostly level route.
There are frequent buses 11,12,27 & 63 that travel along Linthorpe Road.
Parking is permitted on the street to the front and side of the museum.
Please use our postcode TS5 6LA to locate us using Sat Nav systems or route planner websites.
Download: Middlesbrough Museums What's On 2011
Middlesbrough Museums - What's On 2011