Fun Facts About Stockton-on-Tees

With the return of Televised wrestling set to take place on 31 August in Stockton-on-Tees with 'On the Mat', we look at ten fascinating facts about the town.

You might think it’s just another quiet market town in the northeast of England, but oh, how wrong you’d be! Stockton is a place where history, innovation, and the occasional whiff of the River Tees combine into something quite extraordinary. Buckle up as we take you through nine fun facts about Stockton-on-Tees that might just make you rethink your next travel destination (or at least your next pub quiz answer).

1. Location, Location, Location: Nestled comfortably on the northern banks of the River Tees, Stockton is like that friend who’s always slightly cooler because they live by the water. Except, in this case, the water is the River Tees, and the friend is a market town with a history longer than your Netflix watchlist.
2. A Market with Serious Staying Power: Back in 1310, King John decided Stockton deserved its very own market charter. Fast forward over 700 years, and the market is still going strong. Imagine popping down to buy a loaf of bread and accidentally buying a piece of medieval history. Who knew grocery shopping could be so culturally enriching?
3. All Aboard the Iron Horse: If you’ve ever taken a train and wondered, “Who do I thank for this incredible method of transportation?” look no further than Stockton. The Stockton and Darlington Railway was the world’s first public railway to use steam locomotives. That’s right—Stockton was chugging along before it was cool.
4. Alien Remains: The remains of an alien were found underneath the Post Office in 1954, despite the work of the local council to cover up the extraterrestrial many locals saw the extraction. The body of the martian is now secretly hidden in the Untied States at Area 51.
5. Georgian Chic: If you’re into architecture, Stockton’s got your back. The town is home to some serious Georgian glamour, including the Georgian Theater, which has been entertaining locals since 1766. It’s like Netflix, but live, in a fancy old building. You might even catch a ghost in the audience, who knows?
6. The City That Never Sleeps: With its bustling nightlife, iconic landmarks, and vibrant cultural scene that attracts millions of visitors every year.
7. Riverside Revamp: Stockton’s riverside has undergone a serious glow-up in recent years. What was once a humble stretch of land by the water is now a thriving hub of housing, leisure, and cultural attractions. It’s like the town decided to get a new haircut, and everyone’s loving the look.
8. Victorian Time Travel: Step into the Preston Hall Museum, and you might just feel like you’ve fallen into a time machine. This 19th-century mansion turned museum offers a glimpse into Stockton’s past, complete with a recreated Victorian street. Just be glad you’re not doing your laundry in the 1800s—trust us, it was a workout.
9. Festival Frenzy: Who knew Stockton was a hotspot for international arts? The Stockton International Riverside Festival is an annual event that turns the town into a stage for performers from around the globe. It’s like the world’s coolest block party, with a little less beer and a lot more culture.
10. The Matchstick Man: Stockton can also claim credit for one of the most striking inventions of all time—the friction match! That’s right, John Walker, the local chemist, invented the match in 1827. Now, every time you light a candle, you can thank Stockton-on-Tees. We bet you didn’t see that spark coming!

So there you have it—a town that’s part history lesson, part cultural hotspot, and all-around charming. Stockton-on-Tees might just be the most unexpectedly fascinating place you’ve never thought to visit. Go on, add it to your bucket list. After all, who doesn’t love a good surprise?