History of Landmark Tees Bridges to be Celebrated at Transporter Local History Month Talk (Middlesbrough Council)

The history of the River Tees' iconic Newport and Transporter Bridges features in a talk at the Transporter Bridge Visitor Centre on Saturday, May 4 (9:30am-10:30am) as part of Middlesbrough Local History Month.
The talk by Manchester Metropolitan University historian and Heritage Unlocked consultant Dr Tosh Warwick will share new research on the Cleveland Bridge-designed Transporter Bridge and the Dorman Long-built Newport Bridge.

As well as featuring recently uncovered historical material from the collections of Teesside Archives, Middlesbrough Libraries and Middlesbrough Council, the talk will also include North East Film Archive footage and memories of the bridges. The Tees Transporter Bridge opened in October 1911 and has been an icon of the area for over a century. In recent years, the Transporter Bridge has undergone extensive National Lottery Heritage Fund (formerly the Heritage Lottery Fund) supported renovation including the installation of a new glass lift to the top of the structure, gondola renovation and enhanced visitor experience resources.

Earlier this month, celebrated artist Mackenzie Thorpe unveiled his ‘Waiting For Me Dad' sculpture which has seen a rise in visitor numbers to the Bridge. The Newport Bridge opened in 1934 after over a decade of debates and disputes and was once the largest vertical lift bridge of its type in the world.  The Bridge's last lift took place in 1990 and in recent years has undergone renovation and had a state-of-the-art lighting system installed.

Dr Tosh Warwick, whose new book about the Transporter Bridge is out later this year, said: "These two Tees icons have played an important part in Middlesbrough's history and provide an important connection to the area's industrial heritage. The talk will uncover new stories about the bridges and showcase the unique historical material held in publicly accessible, local collections."

John Ivison, Transporter Bridge Supervisor, added:  "We are delighted to once again be taking part in Middlesbrough Local History Month and hope that this talk and other events at the Transporter will help create new interest in the Bridge and celebrate the area's heritage."

Following on from the talk, visitors will be able to enjoy a tour of the Bridge including a trip to the landmark's upper walkway and a trip on the gondola (fees apply).  More information on bookings can be found at www.teestransporterbridge.com.