This is a view of the Doric Column & Finkle Street taken by Jack Marriott in 1940’s.
Courtesy of Stockton Museum Service.
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
This is a view of the Doric Column & Finkle Street taken by Jack Marriott in 1940’s.
Courtesy of Stockton Museum Service.
Picture Stockton Archive 
Strange how this structure is always referred to as the ‘Market Cross’ when it seems to have no religious aspect whatsoever. It certainly appears to function merely as a focal, or gathering point to the High St, as stated above. The swathe of ‘common’ cobbled surfacing to the whole High St and down Finkle St, shows the charm of a country town, that has thankfully been partly preserved in Stockton’s ‘miniaturised’ neighbour, Yarm. The magnificent timber shopfront, (on the r/h corner) of the ‘Robert Medd’ store (later Clinkard’s shoe-shop I recall), was demounted and later resurrected at Preston Hall Museum, prior to development of the Castlegate Shopping Centre
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A ‘market cross’ is a structure used to mark a market square in market towns. originally from the distinctive early medieval tradition of erecting free-standing stone crosses, often elaborately carved, which goes back to the 7th century. The Doric column replaces the original covered market cross which stood on this site.
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Not unusual to see someone resting on the Column’s steps. It looks a quiet day or time. The Yorkshire Penny Bank’s (on left) doors are closed.
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Can anyone tell me about the Doric Column?
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The Doric Column is a grade II listed monument and is thought to be the largest ‘Market Cross’ in the region. The sandstone Tuscan column was built by a local stonemason called John Shout. It cost £45 to build and was unveiled in 1768. It stands 8 metres high and is surmounted by an urn and flames. At one time wooden stocks were mounted on its steps and John Wesley preached from here several times during 18th century. It was also the central point for the ‘Hirings’ where farmers would hire hands and the big house owners would hire domestic servants.
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Hey! Many thanks for that Picture Stockton Team. Thanks for this information, as I couldn’t find anything “online”. £45? That would take a heck of a lot more today!
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