A view of The Green Dragon Inn, a Grade II Listed Building, Stockton c1984.
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
A view of The Green Dragon Inn, a Grade II Listed Building, Stockton c1984.
I have often wondered on my trips to Stockton why the courtyard of the Green Dragon Yard is not utilised for an open Continental type coffee shop establishment, with umbrellas in case of inclemental weather, at least in the Summer time. It has a marvelous atmosphere spoilt by lack of imagination in its presentation. The flea market around the corner could also be better presented to tie in with the Green Dragon yard. You have an artist in residence second to non in Mr Anthony Hutchinson who produces the most wonderful paintings and sketches to order at give away prices of local scenes and surrounding district . Tony as he is known to the stall holders also has a wonderful collection of local scenes in stock. It would not take a great deal for some enterprising developer to come up with a plan to make this area a very attractive tourist attraction.
Stockton does not do enough to attract the overseas visitors. One area that could be developed would be the areas strong links to Captain Cook. My experience is that most Australians would not know of this connection, and would be very interested in the Parish Church collection of the oak from the Endevour, also the School building and School furniture occupied by Captain Cook as as Student situated in Great Ayton. My Australian Partner was thrilled when she sat at the same desk that Captain cook had sat at in his junior studies, also the very interesting Museum at Pallister Park, Middlebrough which has many artifacts connected to Captain Cook’s voyages.