The Baltic Tavern (c1826-1928) at No.18 Quayside previously the Blue Anchor Tavern, just included in a painting of the bank leading from Quayside to Housewife Lane, Stockton. The old Customs House can also be seen. Painting by T. Batty c1900. 
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
I have recently come into possession of a small round metal tin with a hinged lid. Looks like a portable ash tray. The inscription on the lid says… Baltic Hotel, Stockton-on-Tees, with E. Batty’s compliments.
That’s interesting I am related to the Battys who had The Baltic Tavern.
Just found this email message link. I’m researching my partner’s family tree, and his Grandma, Mary Eleanor Dunn (nee Cuthbert), was working for John Batty at The Baltic Tavern in the 1901 Census. He tells me that Charlie Chaplin was said to have stayed there before he was a big star.
John Batty also owned the Grand Theatre in Stockton and his son Walter ran it.So its quite likely that Charlie Chaplin stayed there.I have heard stories of Charlie Chaplin being in The Brown Jug which was in Norton.
John Batty must have been quite a business man. In 1898 Stockton council allowed him to erect a temporary building in Dovecot Street made of corrugated iron, lined with wood, to act as a circus, seating 2,500 people. The circus opened on 28 May 1898.
The circus was more similar to a music hall. Among the early acts were – the Three flying Fitzroys, Clemelo`s troupe of performing dogs and monkeys, the juggler funny Algie, comics Fred Hall and Jolly Pete. Another act was Messrs Alvo and Barings singing machine.
The circus proved very popular and despite objections from local theatres, such as the Grand, the council renewed it`s music and dancing licence in August of that year.
Hello Alison,
I have been in touch with my American 3rd cousins, your relative Mary Eleanor Dunn recollection of Charlie Chaplin staying at the Baltic Tavern is correct.
My cousins Grandma Florence Batty told them the story of Charlie Chaplin who performed on the Grand Theatre, Stockton- On-Tees and after his performances he lodged at the Baltic Tavern.
Have you seen my accounts of the Grand Theatre history 1892 to the 1920’s, its interesting reading also see Walter Batty’s Ledger 1908.
Regards,
Anthony Dawson.
My nanna used to live in the baltic tavern, and she too was a Batty. I have several pictures of the baltic. I think the T stands for Thomas, but will need to check my family tree.
Does your grandmother remember tbe Liddell family living in Housewife Lane? From your description of her as 95 in 2007 she would have been born in 1912. The youngest child would have been Emily, 12 years old at that time. Emily would have been a 17 year old when you gran was 5. I think they lived at no. 4.
I”ve been looking into my family history a bit and the Baltic Tavern holds quite an important part. My Grandmother (now 95 and still going) grew up in the Tavern I think from the age of about 6 till they had to move out because of the flooding of the place by the river.She tells great stories of how her mother used to water the beer down when it was difficult to get supply during the war! Her father inherited the place from his father – the Alderman John Batty. Could anyone tell me what the “T” stands for in T.Batty and if this artist is likely to be part of my family or whether this is just coincidence?
Looking through this site I have seen paintings by T. Batty. Could anybody tell me if there are copies/prints/postcards of his paintings available to buy. Thanks.