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A Castle in Stockton?

Did you know that Stockton once had a castle?

This magnificent building may no longer be around to see, but the local pride and interest remains to this very day.

A Framed and glazed foil collage of Stockton Castle.

Foil collage of Stockton Castle. Image courtesy of Preston Park Museum & Grounds

A Norman Castle

Stockton-on-Tees dates to as early as the Anglo-Saxon period. It was originally a settlement on high ground, close to the northern bank of the river Tees. In later years, the area became the site of a Norman castle belonging to the Prince-Bishops of Durham.

Before it was known as a castle, it would have originally been a hall belonging to Hugh Pudsey a famous Bishop of Durham. Although we aren’t sure what year the castle was fortified, we do know that it was first referred to as a castle in 1376, during the Civil War Stockton castle was a Royalist stronghold.

Carved Lion Stone, thought to be from Stockton Castle. Image courtesy of Preston Park Museum & Grounds

Where the castle was however, was a bit of a mystery.
In the 1960’s excavations took place in John Walker Square, an area in Stockton, by the riverside. These excavations were organised before the building of the Swallow Hotel and Castlegate shopping centre, both of which have now been demolished.

During these excavations, archaeologists found evidence of high-status Norman stonework, suggesting that perhaps Stockton castle had once been on this site.

Preston Park Museum and Grounds have some fine examples of stonework which is believed to have once been part of the castle, including this Lion piece. It’s also widely believed that some of the stonework from the castle was reused in other locations across Stockton, including Green Dragon Yard, Finkle Street, and Silver Street.

The Destruction of the Castle

Cast iron Cannon Ball believed to be from Stockton castle

Cast iron cannon ball, possibly connected with the Civil War and destruction of Stockton Castle. Image courtesy of Preston Park Museum & Grounds.

The castle supported the King against the parliamentarians in Scotland. In 1640 an agreement was signed, making the River Tees a boundary between Scotland (who supported the Parliamentarians) and the King, meaning the castle would stay a royalist site.

Rumour has it that the castle was ordered to be destroyed by Oliver Cromwell, after the civil war. However, others believe that by this time the castle was already in ruin, leaving only the castle barn behind. It’s certain that the castle would have seen some action over the years! What do you think happened to the castle?

Preston Park Museum and Grounds have some cannon balls in their collection, which are believed to have been from the castle, which would have seen many battles and conflict during it’s time.

In the 19^th Century, the castle’s barn was destroyed, and now nothing remains.

Did you know that we don’t really know what the castle looked like? We only have artist interpretations.

What is the legacy of Stockton Castle?

Although the castle is long gone, the legacy of it remains.
In 1976 a coat of arms was assigned to the borough. It included items that are symbolic to Stockton, such as the river Tees, an anchor representing Stockton’s history as a local port and a castle, which symbolises the two former castles of Stockton-on-Tees and Stokesley Rural District Council.

There have been several buildings on the site where the castle once stood, including the empire theatre, which had previously been named the ‘castle theatre’ and of course, the Castlegate shopping centre which stood on the site until recently.

A wrought iron sign of the emblem of Stockton, the castle and anchor.
Image courtesy of Preston Park Museum.

Another object in the Preston Park Museum collection is a wooden box, with a cannon ball. The box is engraved ‘cannon ball from Stockton castle, 1652. Bands on the box made of Iron from the castle’. These mementos that have survived over time serve as evidence of the importance of the castle to local people, a pride that is still felt today.

There is a permanent display in the museum that tells the story of Stockton castle, and displays objects linked to it. Next time you visit have a look and see how many references you can find of the castle.

Wooden box with Cannon from Stockton Castle

Oak box bound with iron bands, mounted on top is a cannon ball which has been covered in bronze. Image Courtesy of Preston Park Museum & Grounds

Close up of small plaque underneath, says ‘Cannon Ball, from Stockton Castle’

Small plaque attached to oak box says ‘Cannon Ball, from Stockton Castle’ Image courtesy of Preston Park Museum & Grounds

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