This timeline highlights key events in Middlesbrough ’ s history that shaped the port and the local area . It covers some of the wider developments linked to and around the port including urban developments , river developments , celebrations in the town and the wars .
Scan to read the full story of Port of Middlesbrough
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Gladstone ’ s ‘ Infant Hercules ’ William Gladstone , Chancellor of the Exchequer visited Middlesbrough and famously described it as “ remarkable , the youngest child of England ’ s enterprise … an Infant Hercules .” |
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The Tees Transporter Bridge Opens The iconic Tees Transporter Bridge was officially opened on 17 October 1911 . It is one of only around 30 ever built and is the longest , operational transporter bridge in the world . |
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Dent purchased Craggs ’ Shipyard to create two additional berths at Dent ’ s Wharf . |
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The Interwar Years The interwar years proved to be challenging times with unstable economic conditions bringing closures and conflict in the area . Despite this , extensive investment was underway at Dent ’ s Wharf . |
1862
Did You Know ? By 1874 , Middlesbrough had become England ’ s biggest iron-producer . It produced one-third of the nation ’ s output .
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1881
Did You Know ? The expansion of Middlesbrough Dock left the original staiths at Port of Middlesbrough redundant . In 1897 Mr T Roddam Dent took control of the wharf , renaming it as Dent ’ s Wharf .
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1911 |
1914 - 1918 |
1920s - 1930s
Did You Know ? The Tees ( Newport ) Bridge was opened in February 1934 and was the largest vertical lift bridge of its type in the world .
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1939 - 1945 |
Middlesbrough Jubilee Celebrations Marking half a century since the opening of the coal staiths , although celebrations were delayed one year , Middlesbrough marked its Jubilee with a range of celebrations .
First World War Middlesbrough and the industries along the River Tees played an important part in the First World War as the town and the numerous local works mobilised to support the country ’ s efforts .
Second World War Industries along the River Tees played a central part in the area ’ s contribution to the war effort , with local iron and steel being used to make military weapons and ammunition - this also made the area a target for air raid attacks .
1980s - 1990s
Autonomy and Growth The 1980s and 1990s heralded a new chapter and era of change for the River Tees . New opportunities were emerging in the oil and gas sector , resulting in investment in new port infrastructure in Middlesbrough .
Mr T Roddam Dent : Acquired Port of Middlesbrough
1980
Middlesbrough 150th Anniversary Celebrations To mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of modern Middlesbrough , a year-long programme of events and celebrations was arranged to take place throughout 1980 .
Did You Know ? In 1973 AV Dawson made the most significant move in its history , relocating to the riverside and acquiring Dent ’ s Wharf ’ s site , renaming it Dawson ’ s Wharf .
1945 - 1970s
Post-War Middlesbrough The post-war era saw the closure of many of the heavy industries along the south bank of the Tees . Despite this , private sector investment and expansion continued at the port facilities in Middlesbrough .
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