We think this photograph is dated sometime in the early 1930s. The view from the tower of St Cuthbert’s Church shows Billingham Green. From here you can see the ‘Tower House’ and what we think is Chilton House in the distance.
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
I was christened in St Cuthberts Church. The destruction of the town centre was a sin. I was brought up just behind Boyes lived there from 1956 till 1972 when I married and went to live in Norton in Chadburn Road.
Maxine Weetman, nee Young.
The tall building to the left of center was a cafe which in the late 1950s had a reputation of being a brothel. It was said that to gain access to the delights of the premises you had to ask for a 2d box of matches at the counter. The gate to the church had a mouse carved into its right hand support post.
My parents and I used to live in tower house until 1948 when we left to move abroad with my father who was in the army.
There was also a church of england school on the green in front of the church
Being someone that lives more than 250 miles from Billingham I know very little of the town.
I visited once as a child of 7-8 and as recently as one month ago. A holiday/come search for long gone relatives. This is still an ongoing thing and seems to be taking over every waking hour!
I have 3 cousins all living close to each other in Billingham and not too far from where they were born. It was good to meet them again, even if it has been more than 50 years!
As to the photo, for the time when it was taken, it looks very good. What are the changes to the view now?
I suggest that you use Google Earth Street Scene to check out the changes. For me the change in shops on Station Road which now seem to be overloaded with takeaways, and the destruction of the Town Centre.