Dovecote Street in 1956 looking East from its junction with Skinner Street including from left to right, No.74 Tees Valley Water Board Offices, on the left (from 1975 Radio Tees), No.72 Clarendon Hotel (opened c1880), Nos.70 and 68 shops, Stockton Post Office, next door but two to the Clarendon Hotel, No.66 Dovecot Street (c 1880-1960), No.64 Friends Adult School. Dovecot Street in 2006, the Water Board building still remains the same and the Town House building has been built on derelict land that can be seen on the right of the 1956 photograph. 
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
The Hippodrome brings back many memories of the wonderful plays produced there by the Harry Hanson Court Players who managed to perform a new play every week for the theatre starved population of Stockton. My mother used to take me from being a very young boy to these plays were I developed a liking for the theatre. Agatha Christie thrillers were always a great show and well attended. With no TV on those days we had to rely on the theatre, Cinemas and Radio, were we would sit in the dark at home listening to The Man In Black, Valentine Dyall. with his Appointment with Fear, very scary as a child..
Happy memories of the Hippodrome were the Harry Hanson Court Players performed for ten seasons , I had a seat booked for the last play every Saturday night , one of my favourite Actors was Frank Middlemass who in later years acted in many Television shows such as Heartbeat , Franks brother owned a chemist shop in Norton road on the corner of Garbutt street ,
My mother and father ran the Clarrie for years in the 70’s and my brother and I had Bonds motorcycles a block down past Radio Tees (the good old days) not forgetting Titos just round the corner 🙂
Thanks Llewellyn Williams for telling me about the outside staircase, I knew I remembered it! Also for the fact it was a ship’s staircase, it always terrified me climbing it as I was only a young child. I last climbed a ship’s ladder a few years ago while my husband was working on an oil tanker in Teesport, and that was terrifying too, so nothing changes!
Have just revisited this site and noted Pat Pattison’s query. Yes, Pat, outside staircase. The building originally housed my Father’s parents hosiery business. The frontage was quite impressive with two large pillars framing the front door, and a bay window; the room behind used as an office and the window as a ‘shop window’ for their wares and housing large displays of show photographs when my parents had the studios. To the left of the front door was another, leading to a tunnel-like passageway through the side of the living part of the property into a yard. The rear bounded by a two-storey building; three-car garage below and (originally) workroom above, which then became the studio in my Parent’s time. Access to this upper floor was by open staircase, which was originally a ship’s staircase which my Father fitted, as the original was in bad repair when they took over the property. Access for vehicles to the garage was via the private, cobble-stoned back lane between it and the school which, zig-zagging around the rear boundary of the school, also served some of the High Street businesses. I was told that around the 1920’s when my Father’s parents needed it for their business, they had to pay the estate which owned the land £100 for access to this back lane. Work that out in modern terms!
I remember the shop very well but the name escapes me.
Does anyone know the name of the shop that stood next to Les (Blob) Ford opposite the Post Office in Dovecote Street during around 1946. Part of this shop at one time was rented to a lady (my mother) to sell hand paintings. Two small front windows displayed the paintings. Thanks in advance for any help.
Does anyone remember Les Fords – a little independant shop at the top end of Dovecot St, nr post office. It was run by a local artist named Anne Mariah Johnson who sold her own pieces, would really appreciate it if anyone could shed some more info on this, it was about 1945ish!
The Thomas Laing I mentioned born in 1811 was the son of Timothy Laing and Mary Bruce. Timothy was a Tide Waiter (Customs Officer) and later a farmer. At his wedding to Mary Bruce in 1792 a William Laing who was a Glazier acted as his surety. Timothy himself was born in Holmside Lane near Lanchester, but he must have had family in the Stockton area anyway as they seem to be difficult to trace. Another Timothy crops up son of Joseph and Jane Laing, who I believe is somehow connected.
I remember Dovecote Street very well. We lived in Lawson Street and my grandmother lived in Buchanan Street. In the 1940s I used to go to Sunday school at the Brunswick church. We moved to Thornaby and then, after the war, my father decided to migrate to Australia. I remember going to the pantomines at the Hippodrome.
Thanks for your comments Maureen concerning John Laing. It does sound as if the second one concerning his ‘late arrival’ to Walter and wife is the more likely one. I cannot remember who it was he said were the parents of the baby but from your comments it could well have been his brother. John is probably retired now as he would be the same age as myself as we were in the same class throught out the senior part of Tilery Road Boys.
Ahhhh now I remember, Walter & his wife had a late ‘arrival’, John, who was born when his older brothers Brian and Wally were in their late teens. I should imagine John became an uncle when Brian & his wife had a baby. It’s amazing how the old grey cells come back to life when jogged!!
John Laing was the son of Walter Laing who was a good turner in the Head Wrightson’s light machine-shop, Thornaby, he taught many good apprentices. John was a motor mechanic at Hartburn Garage near the Stockton Arms.
I don’t think John Laing was a relative of ours George. As I said previously there were another two Laing families in Craister St which were related to each other. We had relatives in Moss St, the youngest being Manus (known as Maurice) Laing, he had a brother, Arthur, and a sister known as Bella.
Was John Laing a relative of yours Maureen? I remember a boy of that name in my class at Tilery Road Boys during the period 1955-59. He lived in one of the streets opposite the school and I know he created some excitement when he came in one day and announced he had become an uncle. To us boys at that age it seem impossible for one so young to be an uncle as we always thought of them being older adults.16/08/2011 17:18:08
I don’t think we’re related Marc as I’ve researched the Laing family history back to William Laing who was born in West Auckland in the late 1700’s. His son William married Catherine Wilkinson from Norton. They moved to Redcar for health reasons I believe but both died within less than a year of each other leaving their children as orphans. My great grandfather Henry Laing was taken in by his uncle Thomas Wilkinson who was living in Stockton,he then married a Stockton girl & my grandfather, Arthur Edwin Laing, was born in Skinner St in 1867. When I lived in Tilery (Craister St) there were 2 brothers, Bob and Walter Laing, who were no relation to me so perhaps they may be relatives of yours!
We had family from Stockton (Laing, Carruthers, Tyson and Appleby to name a few). Could this connect to your family Maureen? Thomas Laing born in 1811 in Portrack was a Plumber and Glazier.
Llewellyn Williams, was your mother’s studio accessed by a flight of stairs on the outside of the building? Vague memories are stirring of attending such a place in the street between Marks and Spencers and Coates and Sedgewicks drapers (later Littlewoods). This would be approx 1950/2. Glad to see she started you off on a theatrical career!
I’ve just been fascinated by this photograph and those of the market. I’d be grateful if anyone knows if any photograph of REGENT STREET exists, – where my parents ran the Ellena Williams Theatrical Studios in the 40s/50s. Like the YMCA Little Theatre, Hippodrome, Holy Trinity Boys School, Empire/Cinema/Odeon and Globe(?)cinemas…all long gone!
Hello Llew,
I’ve accidently come across this message from you. Also one dated 2012, where you talk about the Hippodrome.
Dave.
David Moody – I used to play with your brother John and our friend Geoff Newton. We lived in Milbank St.
The first street on the left is Russell Street, I lived in no. 28 with my parents from 1964 to 1976. To Mags Clarke, Allyson Downs is now Allyson McCue and has contributed on the Picture Stockton site under Mill Lane School (www.picturestockton.co.uk/viewpage.aspx?id=90212)
We remember your grandfather, Mr Temple, very well Karen. We lived over the road from him at No 14 Tarring Street and used to take him some of our Sunday lunch which he always enjoyed. It was very sad when he had a fire in his home and passed away in hospital shortly afterwards.
No. 10 was the Shaws (Dick & Alice) No. 12 was Mrs. Herron; I can’t remember your No.14, but I am Barrie and I lived with my grandfather until marriage in 1961. I was certainly not aware of your kindness; were you at the funeral? By the way, who is Karen?
Does anyone remember my Great Grandfather George Peter Temple He lived at 17 TARRING STREET, STOCKTON ON TEES until 1966 when he passed away aged 82.
It’s just possible my great aunt Mary Casey from Housewifes Lane married a Thomas Bean, the wedding would have taken place some time after 1911 as the 1911 Census shows she was a domestic servant in Dovecot st. Please ask picturestockton for my e-mail if you can help.
In 1911 my great aunt, Mary Casey age 17, was a domestic servant with the Cockerill family 76 Dovecot st. Head of the house was Ingram & Elizabeth Cockerill. Trying to find any information on my great aunt Mary and her sister Hannah who were living in Housewifes lane,
although Hannah may have got married and moved out. Can anyone tell me any thing about Mary & Hannah Casey? Also, would love any old photos of the Caseys from this time as I never got to see my grandad Robert Casey who served in the K.O.S.B 1912-18. Please ask picturestockton for my e-mail address.
The set of twins you are thinking about Brian, were Denise and Dennis Henderson who lived in the Ewebank Street area. Also in the infants school were Peter and Carol Rowntree. I was Linda Crow when I went to school. I remember your twin sister Janice very well. She was very good at art.
In answer to Ken Sawyer, as a resident of Tarring Street I went to Mill Lane school from 1945 until 1953 when having passed an entrance exam, went on to Newham Grange school until 1957.
Linda Henderson, am I right in thinking that you were half of the other set of twins in the ‘school year’?
I recall the persuasive salesmanship of Les Ford’s market spiel. I was once tempted by his ‘league quality cricket bats, with fully sprung handle’ for 11s 6d. When I was carrying it home I noticed three black lines printed across the top of the handle.
Brian Bennison – I always believed that Blob was Les Ford’s dad. I may be wrong but I seem to remember him as a very big man. Incidently I remember you in infant school and was in the same class at Mill Lane as your sister Janice.
I am interested in contacting Allyson Downes from Dovecote Street and Kathleen Green of the same area. I am Mags Clark, nee Margaret Gilfoyle, of Bell Street and would love to be in touch with anyone from my school days. Have tried many times through other sites and failed. I went to Dovecote school and on to Fairfield Sec Modern.
Did Les Ford’s bazaar go by the name (for some reason, or at least one I wouldn’t wish to speculate on) as Blob Ford’s?
Who remembers the discount/swag shop that was almost opposite the Post Office in Dovecote St, Les Fords?
I do believe he also covered most of the markets.
How nice Alastair, to hear of your father, Dr Smith he was our family GP. My family thought of him with high regard . My father the late Joe Smith loved a good old natter with him as thay were both naval men and had a lot in common. Remembering 77 Dovecote Street you entered going up a few stone steps ,the waiting room was on the left of the long double passage and Dr Smiths consulting room next down the passage, he used to bring a lovely collie dog that sat as good as gold under the table. I remember Dr Hood joining the practice his room in the house was at the far end of what seemed to me a very long passage way in the house, how life has changed
I’ve researched the Laing family history quite thoroughly since I retired 4yrs ago & last visited Stockton in 2007. We were puzzled as to when no 79 was demolished but Alistair Smith has cleared up the mystery! The 4 houses weren’t demolished at the same time as we thought,so my great aunt was still living there when she died in 1965. If anybody has any photos of those properties in what was Langdale Terrace I would love to see them.Also thanks Moira for your efforts,I’m not a stranger to ‘senior moments’ myself!
Alastair Smith, am I right in saying your father had a surgery along with Dr Hood, if so they were my family Doctors and my mothers family [Harris], both doctors being well liked. My mother seems to remember them taking over from a coloured doctor who practised from Church Road, ask your father if he recalls this doctors name when you next speak to him.
Sorry everyone I seem to have had a senior moment, the BT exchange was there years before the houses were demolished. They knocked them down around the same time as Lawson and Webster Streets and built houses on the land. I think it was in the early 70s, someone who lived there at the time may be able to give a closer date. After leaving Mill Lane School, I never seem to have gone up to that end of the road very often. Maureen, I checked the 1911 census and your Great Aunts Anne Catherine and Ethel Mary are there and it is 79 Dovecot St. It was Langdale Terrace in 1901 and they lived at Number 2. The Picture Stockton Team have my email address if you want more info.
My father, Dr Alastair W Smith, held his surgery in No.77 Dovecot St from the early 50s until the opening of the Lawson Street Health Centre in the early 70s.
I spoke to him yesterday, 12/12/09, and he told me that 75 Dovecot St, which was on the corner of Hartington Road, was demolished first to make way for the telephone exchange in the 60s leaving Nos 77 and 79 standing until the early 70s when they were demolished to provide space for the telephone exchange car park.
I hope this information helps.
I was at school and a friend of your sister Rosemary, we used to play in your garden in Oxbridge. The house you lived in once belonged to my grandparents, David and Kitty Ross.
Thanks for the info Moira. Can you remember when Langdale Terrace (later Dovecot St) was demolished? My relatives lived in no79, my great aunt Ethel was the last of the family to live there & she died in 1965.
I remember those four houses and yes the BT exchange was built on the site, between Hartington Road and Lawson Street. This picture however, shows the space opposite the old water board offices where the tax office was built between Hartington Road and Skinner Street.
My great great grandmother, Mary Potts, owned a large property in Langdale Terrace which later became part of Dovecot St. The empty space in this photo was where the row of 4 houses stood. A BT telephone exchange was built on the site which is opposite Millfield House. She purchased that property when she moved from The Square after her husband, who was a Master Mariner, died at sea. At that time she was a Straw Bonnet Maker but for the remainder of her long life she lived on her annuity! She died in 1909 at the age of 93yrs.
As a Tarring Streeter I have great memories of the surounding streets. The dairy you speak about in Skinner Street holds a great childhood memory for me; The stable was used to stable an elephant who was part of a act appearing at the great Hippodrome and myself and my friends were allowed to go in and see it and watch the keeper tend and feed it – what a thrill it was for us! Does anyone remamber the elephant in Skinner Street dairy and what it had to do with the Hippodrome?
I’m sure I can remember seeing an elephant on stage at the Hippodrome.
Jean you did see elephant on stage at the hippodrome, i saw it also from seat up in the gods.
All the best.
Derek
Lots of fascinating memories brought back from these posts about this area. Dickie Smith’s undertakers, Burns’ Dairy, the YMCA Theatre.
Joyce’s detail about Skinner Street, well known to a young Tarring Streeter!
Having gone to Trinity from 1934 to 1939 I was familiar with the streets between Yarm Lane and Dovecot Street (up to the tunnel through to the ‘moor’ wasteland.
Also queuing up at Brough’s on Yarm Lane, opposite Holy Trinity, for groceries. I think we could leave ration book pages, as could all their regular customers. Or have I got this wrong?
So which schools did you go to from your Tarring Street residence Julie?
There were so many well kept family houses in all those streets between the railway and the town.
I remember this wasteland being created, when the buildings were demolished. The bottom corner was with Hartington Road where there was a cake shop which sold lovely teacakes, I think it was called Hollings bakery?. Next shop along Dovecot St was Lightfoots, sold dairy stuff and eggs. During the war I remember people queing for butter and eggs. Sometimes 1 or 2 eggs per person per week along with a couple of ounces of butter. I remember the smell of the shop vividly along with the sawdust on the floor. There was then a plumbers or electrical business. These had steps up to the door( I played on them as a child). The building at the corner of Skinner St was a large house split into a couple of flats. I think gardens were at the back. This part of Dovecot Street was the narowest and was cobbled. I lived in Tarring Street from 1940-1968.
I believe that the theatre was the YMCA theatre which was on the corner of Prince Regent Street and Dovecot Street. I can remember going to see ICI film shows there in the late 1940″s and early 1950″s.
Halfway down Dovecote Street on the opposite side of the road from the Hippodrome was the little theatre where the Stockton Masquers used to perform. Are they still in existence? Is the theatre still there? My husband found some old programmes the other day from his year with them in 1961/2
The third building down in Skinner Street, which is not shown on the picture, was Dickie Smith”s undertakers where my grandfather drove the taxis for him. His name was Alf Wilson(Taxi Alf was his nick name) they also made coffins. Further down Skinner Street was Burns Dairy Yard where they used to keep circus animals for the old cinema where the Arc is now.