Brass Crosby was born in Stockton-on Tees in 1725. He qualified in law and came to London to practise his chosen profession. In 1758 he was elected to the City Council and appointed Sheriff in 1764. In 1765 Crosby was appointed an Alderman and in 1768 he became Parliamentary member for Honiton. In 1770 he was elected Lord Mayor of London. 
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
There is an oil painting of Brass Crosby – painted by Thomas Hardy in The Guildhall Art Gallery permanent collection, painted c1787.
Also an Obelisk in St Georges Circus – Blackfriars Road, and a blue plaque on the house in which he lived.
A man who had contributed so much in his lifetime is forgotten in his hometown, yet we revere a man who invented the match…
The phrase “As bold as Brass” is said to have come about because Brass Crosby as Lord Mayor of London successfully stood up to the Parliament of the time for the freedom of the Press to report their proceedings. He spent six weeks imprisoned in the Tower of London for his defiance. On his release he was acclaimed by the public who had vigerously campaigned for his freedom. The proceedings of Parliament have been reported verbatim since that day. He was also instrumental in stopping the practice of press ganging crews for the navy in the City of London. A famous son of Stockton.
But is it where Brass Castle Lane comes from?? Does any one know?
I believe that this is where the saying “as bold as Brass” originates.