A general view of Nos. 55-83 High Street, Stockton during major roadworks. No. 55, Wilsons department store, 56, Chippendal House, china and furnishers, 57, R. Pickersgill and Sons Ltd(1924-1961), ironmonger and heating engineers, 58, F.A. Woodroffe, jeweller,silversmith,optician,watches and clocks, 59, Masterman (1951-1968), menswear, 60, Laesers (1924-1968), confectioners, 61, The Vane Arms Hotel,62, William Strikes Nurserymmen and seedsmen, 64, Black Lion Hotel (1740-1961), No.82-83 Empire Cinema. c1951 
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
Some things never change, I believe this is the side of the High Street which is now the site of the Castle Centre, and they are still constantly digging it up to re-lay pipes every other month
I worked in Wilson Department store in the late 1960″s in the hat department on a Saturday. My mother Freda (Betty) Callender worked there too and was a buyer for the Fancy goods and wallpaper section from the 60″s to it closing.
Ralf Althoff. Hello Ralf, Woodoffes shop was a well known Jewellers shop in Stockton High Street like The Northern Jewellers. These shops were sometimes bought out by big combines some survived others have been lost forever. Working jewellers shops are now rare. Do you think the watch movement was made by F.W.Woodroffe or just sold by them?.
Today I got a Pocketwatch,signed F.A.Woodroffe,Stockton on Tees.It was build in 1939 or earlier.I wanted to know where it´s come from. So I found these interesting Pictures. Greetings from Krefeld ,Germany!
I fully agree with you there Ged, This applies to a lot of the High Street. Vandalised I say. The frontage of a lot of the property could have been retained and the rear building rebuilt.
It`s a pity that the plans for redevelopment of this part of the High Street were not buried with the pipes too.