Two transformative decades in the history of Middlesbrough are the focus of the latest book by Middlesbrough-born historian Dr Tosh Warwick. Memories of Middlesbrough in the 1950s and 1960s explores the story of life in Middlesbrough during the era that included recovery from the Second World War, changes in industrial and cultural life, and the end days for iconic buildings that were replaced by modern developments.

The richly illustrated book features over 160 photographs and newspaper reports alongside dozens of memories from the era and includes material from a range of sources including the M&S Archive, Middlesbrough Libraries, Teesside Archives and the fascinating photographic collection of the late historian Paul Stephenson. The book details transformation of the townscape across two decades, including the fire at Marton Hall and drastic changes in the historic Cannon Street and St. Hilda’s areas that saw many houses and landmark buildings felled – including St. Hilda’s Church and the oldest house built in modern Middlesbrough – and the town hit national headlines owing to the Cannon Street Riots of 1961.

The new industries of the era and shifts in the iron and steel industries are revealed with Dorman Long, South Durham Steel and Iron Company, Colliers and the new Telephone Exchange all featuring. The book includes stories of new schools and youth clubs, and also explores the changing face of shopping through household names such as Barry’s, Binns, BHS, Jack Hatfield and Sons, Hintons, Marks & Spencer, Newboulds, Newhouses, Romer Parrish, Uptons and Wrights.

In cultural and sporting developments, the era brought new buildings such as Clairville Stadium and the Little Theatre, whilst the 1950s and 1950s also witnessed the opening of Middlesbrough Municipal Art Gallery and improvements at Ayresome Park. Photographs and tales from special events including the Festival of Britain, Corpus Christi Procession, the visit of HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1956 and the World Cup at Ayresome Park in 1966 – where North Korea famously knocked out Italy in one of the biggest shocks of all-time – all help tell the story of life in the town.

Paperback; pp.144; 166 images

Erratum: Page 72 – The Corpus Christi Parade description should read: The Thornaby Corpus Christi parade in 1966, shown below, enjoyed better weather than the rain-plagued Middlesbrough parade the previous week.