Eston
Encyclopedia
Eston is a town within the Unitary Authority
of Redcar and Cleveland
, England
. Within the Middlesbrough
agglomeration
it falls inside the Greater Eston
initiative. It is also in the historic county of the North Riding of Yorkshire
and the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire
.
Eston is next to Normanby, Grangetown
and Teesville
, indeed several institutions in Teesville
and Normanby have Eston in their name, such as Eston Sports Academy, Eston Cemetery and Eston Park School
. It is included in the Redcar and Cleveland
redevelopment initiative named Greater Eston
.
and John Vaughan
) in 1841, that saw Eston's development start, in 1850, from two cottages to a thriving mining town. Miners' cottages, although altered, can still be seen in parts of Eston.
The mining history of Eston was the subject of a film, A Century in Stone
, which describes how the mines were responsible for making Teesside the iron and steel capital of the world. The film, by Craig Hornby of Pancrack Films, not only sold out in local cinemas, but also across Australia
.
The Teesside
steel industry that was started from these mines, eventually produced the steel that built the Sydney Harbour Bridge
. Steel making continues on the Tees now: the mines have been closed for more than sixty years though, after one hundred years of production. Teesside steel became part of the nationalised British Steel
, which in turn became the Corus Group
. It can be said that the town of Middlesbrough
came into being only because of the Eston mines.
, a ridge around 200 metres (656 ft) above sea level, and a part of the Cleveland Hills
. The same hills that overshadow Eston were used to warn of attack in the Napoleonic Era by a beacon, the remains of which can still be seen at Eston Nab
. Eston Nab
is also home to Bauer Teesside
and their forest of aerials and transmitters - broadcasting local radio from this convenient high spot.
At only 242 metres (794 ft) above sea level at its highest point, Eston Hills are classed as Lowland heath
.
Wildlife includes, lapwing
, curlew
, green woodpecker and linnet
. There are various butterflies and dragonflies.
The hills overlooking Eston are managed - for their wildlife, archaeology and amenity. Many people use the hills for walking, cycling and horse riding. There are several self-guided walk leaflets, which take in points of interest. These are available at the Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park Visitor Centre, Normanby, Redcar and Cleveland.
The Eston Hills provide access to the wider countryside via the public right of way network. The land owned or managed by the Redcar and Cleveland
Borough Council is mostly bordered by farmland. Eston Nab commands an excellent view of the nearby Roseberry Topping
, which stands higher at 320 metres (1,049.9 ft).
Two sides the square are lined with traditional terraced shops, whilst the third side has the 1960s-built Eston Precinct parade of shops. Eston Square provides an important retail facility for a much wider area than just Eston itself. Whilst some of the shops are well maintained businesses, others, in the words of Redcar and Cleveland Council, "are in need of a facelift". As part of Redcar and Cleveland Council's Greater Eston
Regeneration, improvements are planned, including the part-demolition of the Precinct Shopping Centre and the building of a new supermarket.
The square has also been entered into the regional Northumbria in Bloom
competition in recent years, with regular work being carried out by members of the Eston Residents Association.
Still in active use, it was established in 1863 and built as an extension to the church of St Helen, which has since been demolished. Names on the gravestones tell the story of the families whose daily lives created the history of the wider area throughout the twentieth century until the present.
, which was built in the late 1950s to early 1960s. Whale Hill is a private residential estate. It includes a large private members' club and a row of shops, including a chemist, Post Office, supermarket, fish shop and a corner shop. The area also benefits from a large local community centre.
Christ Church, the Church of England church in Eston, is is the partner church to St. George's Church in Teesville
. Christ Church is a traditionally designed church built in red brick. It features sixteen stained-glass windows in dressed sandstone settings that bring warm colourful light into the main body of the building; they are themed around saints.
Similarly, St. Anne's Church, the Catholic church in Eston, is part of a larger parish, which includes the churches of St. Peter's, South Bank
, St. Andrew's, Teesville
and St. Mary's, Grangetown
. The joint parish is served from, and carries the name of, St. Andrew's Parish. St. Anne's Church was built in 1970, although the Catholic community had existed as a distinct group for many years before that. Before the church was built a mass took place each Sunday at the Grangetown Royal British Legion Social Club.
Unitary authority
A unitary authority is a type of local authority that has a single tier and is responsible for all local government functions within its area or performs additional functions which elsewhere in the relevant country are usually performed by national government or a higher level of sub-national...
of Redcar and Cleveland
Redcar and Cleveland
The borough of Redcar & Cleveland is a unitary authority in the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire, England consisting of Redcar, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Guisborough, and small towns such as Brotton, Eston, Skelton and Loftus. It had a resident population of 139,132 in 2001, and is part of the Tees...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. Within the Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough is a large town situated on the south bank of the River Tees in north east England, that sits within the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire...
agglomeration
Agglomeration
In the study of human settlements, an urban agglomeration is an extended city or town area comprising the built-up area of a central place and any suburbs linked by continuous urban area. In France, INSEE the French Statistical Institute, translate it as "Unité urbaine" which means continuous...
it falls inside the Greater Eston
Greater Eston
Greater Eston is an urbanised area in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland in the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire, England. The name of Greater Eston is a concept devised by town planners from Redcar and Cleveland Council. It cannot be found on any maps, nor does it leave a trail of evidence...
initiative. It is also in the historic county of the North Riding of Yorkshire
North Riding of Yorkshire
The North Riding of Yorkshire was one of the three historic subdivisions of the English county of Yorkshire, alongside the East and West Ridings. From the Restoration it was used as a Lieutenancy area. The three ridings were treated as three counties for many purposes, such as having separate...
and the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire is a non-metropolitan or shire county located in the Yorkshire and the Humber region of England, and a ceremonial county primarily in that region but partly in North East England. Created in 1974 by the Local Government Act 1972 it covers an area of , making it the largest...
.
Eston is next to Normanby, Grangetown
Grangetown, North Yorkshire
Grangetown is a township in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland and the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire, England. It is situated on the outskirts of Middlesbrough between the town and ICI Wilton. It is approximately 3.3 miles east of Middlesbrough centre and 4.4 miles from Redcar. Although...
and Teesville
Teesville
Teesville is an area in the Middlesbrough agglomeration in the north east of England, and part of the Unitary Authority of Redcar and Cleveland and in the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire. It has a population of approximately 7,000 residents...
, indeed several institutions in Teesville
Teesville
Teesville is an area in the Middlesbrough agglomeration in the north east of England, and part of the Unitary Authority of Redcar and Cleveland and in the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire. It has a population of approximately 7,000 residents...
and Normanby have Eston in their name, such as Eston Sports Academy, Eston Cemetery and Eston Park School
Eston Park School
Eston Park Secondary School is a Business & Enterprise Specialist Foundation secondary school located in Teesville, near Middlesbrough, England...
. It is included in the Redcar and Cleveland
Redcar and Cleveland
The borough of Redcar & Cleveland is a unitary authority in the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire, England consisting of Redcar, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Guisborough, and small towns such as Brotton, Eston, Skelton and Loftus. It had a resident population of 139,132 in 2001, and is part of the Tees...
redevelopment initiative named Greater Eston
Greater Eston
Greater Eston is an urbanised area in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland in the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire, England. The name of Greater Eston is a concept devised by town planners from Redcar and Cleveland Council. It cannot be found on any maps, nor does it leave a trail of evidence...
.
Mining heritage
The land around Eston has been occupied since 2400 BC, but it was the discovery of ironstone in Eston Hills by industrialists from Middlesbrough (most notably Henry BolckowHenry William Ferdinand Bolckow
Henry William Ferdinand Bolckow [Bölckow], MP was a Victorian industrialist, acknowledged as being one of the 'fathers' of modern Middlesbrough....
and John Vaughan
John Vaughan (Middlesbrough)
John Vaughan was born in Worcester, he worked as a foreman at Dowlais Ironworks in South Wales. Later he moved to Walker-on-Tyne near Newcastle and became a manager for Losh, Wilson and Bell Ironworks....
) in 1841, that saw Eston's development start, in 1850, from two cottages to a thriving mining town. Miners' cottages, although altered, can still be seen in parts of Eston.
The mining history of Eston was the subject of a film, A Century in Stone
A Century in Stone
A Century in Stone is a 2004 documentary film depicting the rise of Eston's iron and steel industry.It is 118 minutes long project was funded by the first £75,000 fellowship award from NESTA to be awarded in the north east....
, which describes how the mines were responsible for making Teesside the iron and steel capital of the world. The film, by Craig Hornby of Pancrack Films, not only sold out in local cinemas, but also across Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
.
The Teesside
Teesside
Teesside is the name given to the conurbation in the north east of England made up of the towns of Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Redcar, Billingham and surrounding settlements near the River Tees. It was also the name of a local government district between 1968 and 1974—the County Borough of...
steel industry that was started from these mines, eventually produced the steel that built the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a steel through arch bridge across Sydney Harbour that carries rail, vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic between the Sydney central business district and the North Shore. The dramatic view of the bridge, the harbour, and the nearby Sydney Opera House is an iconic...
. Steel making continues on the Tees now: the mines have been closed for more than sixty years though, after one hundred years of production. Teesside steel became part of the nationalised British Steel
British Steel
British Steel was a major British steel producer. It originated as a nationalised industry, the British Steel Corporation , formed in 1967. This was converted to a public limited company, British Steel PLC, and privatised in 1988. It was once a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index...
, which in turn became the Corus Group
Corus Group
Tata Steel Europe is a multinational steel-making company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the second-largest steel-maker in Europe and is a subsidiary of Tata Steel of India, one of the ten largest steel producers in the world.Corus Group was formed through the merger of Koninklijke...
. It can be said that the town of Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough is a large town situated on the south bank of the River Tees in north east England, that sits within the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire...
came into being only because of the Eston mines.
Eston Hills
The town of Eston lies at the foot of Eston HillsEston Nab
Eston Nab is a local landmark to those who live along the River Tees, in north-east England.A nab is a rocky promontory, or outcrop, and Eston Nab, marking the highest point – at - on the escarpment which forms Eston Hills, appears as a clear sandstone cliff on the northernmost edge of Eston Moor...
, a ridge around 200 metres (656 ft) above sea level, and a part of the Cleveland Hills
Cleveland Hills
The Cleveland Hills are a range of hills on the north-west edge of the North York Moors in North Yorkshire, England, overlooking Cleveland and Teesside. They lie entirely within the boundaries of the North York Moors National Park. Part of the long Cleveland Way National Trail runs along the...
. The same hills that overshadow Eston were used to warn of attack in the Napoleonic Era by a beacon, the remains of which can still be seen at Eston Nab
Eston Nab
Eston Nab is a local landmark to those who live along the River Tees, in north-east England.A nab is a rocky promontory, or outcrop, and Eston Nab, marking the highest point – at - on the escarpment which forms Eston Hills, appears as a clear sandstone cliff on the northernmost edge of Eston Moor...
. Eston Nab
Eston Nab
Eston Nab is a local landmark to those who live along the River Tees, in north-east England.A nab is a rocky promontory, or outcrop, and Eston Nab, marking the highest point – at - on the escarpment which forms Eston Hills, appears as a clear sandstone cliff on the northernmost edge of Eston Moor...
is also home to Bauer Teesside
Bauer Teesside
Bauer Teesside is a local commercial digital radio multiplex in the United Kingdom, which serves the Tees Valley area.EMAP was the only for the licence by the closing date of 14 March 2000. It was awarded the licence on 12 May 2000...
and their forest of aerials and transmitters - broadcasting local radio from this convenient high spot.
At only 242 metres (794 ft) above sea level at its highest point, Eston Hills are classed as Lowland heath
Lowland heath
Lowland Heath is a Biodiversity Action Plan Habitat as it is an ancient wild landscape type. Natural England's Environmental Stewardship scheme describes it as containing dry heath, wet heath and valley mire communities, usually below 250 metres, on acidic soils and shallow peat, typically...
.
Wildlife includes, lapwing
Lapwing
Vanellinae are any of various crested plovers, family Charadriidae, noted for its slow, irregular wingbeat in flight and a shrill, wailing cry. Its length is 10-16 inches. They are a subfamily of medium-sized wading birds which also includes the plovers and dotterels. The Vanellinae are...
, curlew
Curlew
The curlews , genus Numenius, are a group of eight species of birds, characterised by long, slender, downcurved bills and mottled brown plumage. They are one of the most ancient lineages of scolopacid waders, together with the godwits which look similar but have straight bills...
, green woodpecker and linnet
Linnet
The Linnet is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae.The Linnet derives its scientific name from its fondness for hemp and its English name from its liking for seeds of flax, from which linen is made.- Description :...
. There are various butterflies and dragonflies.
The hills overlooking Eston are managed - for their wildlife, archaeology and amenity. Many people use the hills for walking, cycling and horse riding. There are several self-guided walk leaflets, which take in points of interest. These are available at the Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park Visitor Centre, Normanby, Redcar and Cleveland.
The Eston Hills provide access to the wider countryside via the public right of way network. The land owned or managed by the Redcar and Cleveland
Redcar and Cleveland
The borough of Redcar & Cleveland is a unitary authority in the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire, England consisting of Redcar, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Guisborough, and small towns such as Brotton, Eston, Skelton and Loftus. It had a resident population of 139,132 in 2001, and is part of the Tees...
Borough Council is mostly bordered by farmland. Eston Nab commands an excellent view of the nearby Roseberry Topping
Roseberry Topping
Roseberry Topping is a distinctive hill on the border between North Yorkshire and the borough of Redcar and Cleveland, England. It is situated near Great Ayton and Newton under Roseberry. Its summit has a distinctive half-cone shape with a jagged cliff, which has led to many comparisons with the...
, which stands higher at 320 metres (1,049.9 ft).
Eston Square
Eston Square, the curiously named shopping area on the main road passing through Eston, forms more of a triangle than a square. The square has a war memorial as its centrepiece - The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - which shows the statue of a soldier atop a plinth. The plinth lists the names of local people who died during the World Wars.Two sides the square are lined with traditional terraced shops, whilst the third side has the 1960s-built Eston Precinct parade of shops. Eston Square provides an important retail facility for a much wider area than just Eston itself. Whilst some of the shops are well maintained businesses, others, in the words of Redcar and Cleveland Council, "are in need of a facelift". As part of Redcar and Cleveland Council's Greater Eston
Greater Eston
Greater Eston is an urbanised area in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland in the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire, England. The name of Greater Eston is a concept devised by town planners from Redcar and Cleveland Council. It cannot be found on any maps, nor does it leave a trail of evidence...
Regeneration, improvements are planned, including the part-demolition of the Precinct Shopping Centre and the building of a new supermarket.
The square has also been entered into the regional Northumbria in Bloom
Britain in Bloom
RHS Britain in Bloom, supported by Anglian Home Improvements, is the largest horticultural campaign in the United Kingdom. It was first held in 1963, initiated by the British Tourist Board based on the example set by Fleurissement de France. It has been organised by the Royal Horticultural Society ...
competition in recent years, with regular work being carried out by members of the Eston Residents Association.
Eston Cemetery
Eston Cemetery is one of those places in the area which was probably named at the time of the Eston Urban District Council, which included Normanby. Nevertheless, Eston Cemetery can be said to be in Normanby.Still in active use, it was established in 1863 and built as an extension to the church of St Helen, which has since been demolished. Names on the gravestones tell the story of the families whose daily lives created the history of the wider area throughout the twentieth century until the present.
Whale Hill
Eston also includes the area of Whale HillWhale Hill
Whale Hill is an area of Eston, England, and lies at the foot of the Cleveland Hills; it is part of the Middlesbrough agglomeration.Whale Hill has a population of around 1,500 people, of which more than half are retired and own their homes outright....
, which was built in the late 1950s to early 1960s. Whale Hill is a private residential estate. It includes a large private members' club and a row of shops, including a chemist, Post Office, supermarket, fish shop and a corner shop. The area also benefits from a large local community centre.
Churches
Eston has three major churches, two on the High Street and one in Whale Hill.Christ Church, the Church of England church in Eston, is is the partner church to St. George's Church in Teesville
Teesville
Teesville is an area in the Middlesbrough agglomeration in the north east of England, and part of the Unitary Authority of Redcar and Cleveland and in the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire. It has a population of approximately 7,000 residents...
. Christ Church is a traditionally designed church built in red brick. It features sixteen stained-glass windows in dressed sandstone settings that bring warm colourful light into the main body of the building; they are themed around saints.
Similarly, St. Anne's Church, the Catholic church in Eston, is part of a larger parish, which includes the churches of St. Peter's, South Bank
South Bank, Middlesbrough
South Bank is a small town which forms part of the Middlesbrough urban area that lies 2.3 miles from Middlesbrough centre, in North East England. As the name suggests, it lies on the south bank of the River Tees. Although it is part of the Middlesbrough conurbation, it is a ward of Redcar and...
, St. Andrew's, Teesville
Teesville
Teesville is an area in the Middlesbrough agglomeration in the north east of England, and part of the Unitary Authority of Redcar and Cleveland and in the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire. It has a population of approximately 7,000 residents...
and St. Mary's, Grangetown
Grangetown, North Yorkshire
Grangetown is a township in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland and the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire, England. It is situated on the outskirts of Middlesbrough between the town and ICI Wilton. It is approximately 3.3 miles east of Middlesbrough centre and 4.4 miles from Redcar. Although...
. The joint parish is served from, and carries the name of, St. Andrew's Parish. St. Anne's Church was built in 1970, although the Catholic community had existed as a distinct group for many years before that. Before the church was built a mass took place each Sunday at the Grangetown Royal British Legion Social Club.
Notable people
- William Henry Short V.C.William Henry ShortWilliam Henry Short VC was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces....
(1884-1916) - born and lived at 11, William Street, Eston, until the family moved to GrangetownGrangetown, North YorkshireGrangetown is a township in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland and the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire, England. It is situated on the outskirts of Middlesbrough between the town and ICI Wilton. It is approximately 3.3 miles east of Middlesbrough centre and 4.4 miles from Redcar. Although...
in 1900. He played football for Grangetown Albion and Saltburn and Lazenby United Football Clubs. He fought in the early stages of the Battle of the Somme where he was killed showing gallantry and devotion to duty. His name is recorded on the Grangetown war memorial and the obelisk in Eston Cemetery.
See also
| N.W. | North | Teesport Teesport Teesport is a large sea port located in the unitary authority of Redcar and Cleveland and the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire in north east England... |
N.E. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Ormesby North Ormesby North Ormesby is an area in the town and unitary authority of Middlesbrough, in the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire, England. It is situated just to the south of the River Tees and the A66, and is adjacent to the Cargo Fleet and South Bank areas of Middlesbrough. The Teesdale Way long distance... |
South Bank South Bank, Middlesbrough South Bank is a small town which forms part of the Middlesbrough urban area that lies 2.3 miles from Middlesbrough centre, in North East England. As the name suggests, it lies on the south bank of the River Tees. Although it is part of the Middlesbrough conurbation, it is a ward of Redcar and... |
Grangetown Grangetown, North Yorkshire Grangetown is a township in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland and the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire, England. It is situated on the outskirts of Middlesbrough between the town and ICI Wilton. It is approximately 3.3 miles east of Middlesbrough centre and 4.4 miles from Redcar. Although... |
||
| West | Thorntree Thorntree Thorntree is a housing estate in east Middlesbrough within the unitary authority of Middlesbrough and the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire, England.It is so called because it was built on land which was Thorntree Farm.... |
Teesville Teesville Teesville is an area in the Middlesbrough agglomeration in the north east of England, and part of the Unitary Authority of Redcar and Cleveland and in the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire. It has a population of approximately 7,000 residents... |
Whale Hill | East |
| Ormesby Ormesby Ormesby is a former village, and now suburb, spanning the Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland unitary authorities in north east England, within the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire. It forms part of the Middlesbrough urban agglomeration... |
Normanby | Eston | Lackenby Lackenby Lackenby is a small village in the unitary authority of Redcar and Cleveland and ceremonially in the county of North Yorkshire, England. It is situated to the immediate east of Eston and Middlesbrough and immediately to the west of Lazenby.-External links:... |
|
| S.W. | Nunthorpe Nunthorpe Nunthorpe is a small outer suburb of the town of Middlesbrough, England. Nunthorpe is served by Nunthorpe and Gypsy Lane railway stations, both of which are on the Esk Valley Line from Middlesbrough to Whitby... |
South | Bankfields | S.E. |
External links
- Genuki - History of Eston parish & District Descriptions from Bulmer's History and Directory of North Yorkshire (1890), retrieved 8 February 2006
- Official Tees Archaeology - Eston Hills
- Some pictures of Eston in the past