10 things you (probably) didn’t know about Teesside and the Tees Valley

1. THE WORLD’S MOST NORTHERLY HIPPO BONES WERE FOUND IN STOCKTON-ON-TEES

Animals and wildlife might not be the first thing you think of when you think of the Tees Valley (even though it’s home to the only RSPB reserve in the North East that you can visit), but there used to be hippos there. The world’s most northerly hippo bones were found in Stockton in 1958, but where they’ve ended up is a mystery in itself.

The bones were sent to the Natural History Museum in London for confirmation, and they’ve been lost to time since. So, if you happen to stumble across a hippo fossil, it might belong to Stockton-on-Tees.

2. SALTBURN PIER WAS THE FIRST IRON PIER IN THE NORTH EAST AND IS THE LAST REMAINING PIER ON THE YORKSHIRE COAST

The beautiful Victorian Saltburn pier is a jewel of the Tees Valley coastline. At over 150 years old and looking fabulous for its age, it was the first iron pier to be built in the North East, and it still stands today as the last remaining pier on the Yorkshire coast.

It stretches around 200 meters into the North Sea, offering incredible views of Huntcliff, the beach and the iconic cliff lift. If you’re looking for things to do in Teesside, a visit to Saltburn pier is a must.

3. THE BELLS IN THE DARLINGTON TOWN CLOCK ARE THE SISTERS OF BIG BEN

The bongs you hear for the New Year’s Eve fireworks in London? Yep, they’re related to the bells in Darlington’s town clock. This focal point of the area was gifted to the town in 1864, and the bells were cast by John Warner & Sons in nearby Norton. And the same company cast the Big Ben bells, so they’re basically twinning.

4. THE PARMO WAS INVENTED IN 1958

We couldn’t tell you lots of Tees Valley fun facts without mentioning the humble parmo. Many people believe that this is a modern invention, but the local delicacy is actually nearly 70 years old.

It was created by Nicos Harris, a Greek American chef who served in the US Army during WWII and later settled in Teesside, opening The American Grill restaurant on Linthorpe Road. It was also originally made with veal, then pork, but now chicken takes the top spot. So next time you’re tucking in at Manjaros or Borge, say a little thank you to Nicos.

5. SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE AND THE ARCH AT WEMBLEY STADIUM ARE MADE OF TEESSIDE STEEL

If you’ve ever heard someone from Teesside say, “we built the world”, it’s because it’s true. Middlesbrough has a rich steel history and has contributed to famous structures all over the world, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge. That’s right, one of the biggest symbols of Sydney was constructed on the other side of the world, using steel that was stamped with ‘Made In Middlesbrough’.

Not only that, but next time you’re at Wembley Stadium for the football or a Harry Styles gig, look up. The huge arch that carves its way into the sky? Yep, that was also made in Middlesbrough.

6. THE FRICTION MATCH WAS INVENTED IN STOCKTON

You’ve heard of Thomas Edison inventing the light bulb, but the friction match came first, and it was invented in Stockton. And as if that isn’t incredible enough, the invention was completely by accident.

In 1826, John Walker, a Stockton chemist, struck a treated wooden stirring stick on his hearth, accidentally sparking a flame. Ever the entrepreneur, he started selling “friction lights” from his high street shop, so we’ve got John to thank for the ability to light our fave scented candles.

7. CHRIS REA’S DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT MIDDLESBROUGH

Did you know there’s a Christmas song about Middlesbrough? Chris Rea was well known for his love of his hometown, capturing it in songs like Steel River and, of course, Driving Home For Christmas. It was inspired by a real journey he took when his wife drove him back to the Boro in her Austin Mini. We’re totally here for Tees-themed Christmas songs.

8. THERE’S A WITCH WHO LIVES IN THE RIVER TEES

Just like wildlife, English folklore might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Teesside. But if you’re into myths and legends, you’ll love the story of Peg Powler, the witch who lives in the River Tees.

There’s lots of debate about how she looks – is she a beautiful young woman or a scary hag figure? What is agreed on, though, is that she has green hair and lures people into the river to drown. Watch out for her if you’re ever paddleboarding or kayaking on the river, both brilliant things to do in Teesside.

9. DARLINGTON IS HOME TO THE WORLD’S OLDEST WORKING RAILWAY BRIDGE

The Tees Valley played a huge role in the history of steam, marking the place where the first steam passenger railway was born, but did you know there’s a very important bridge there too?

Skerne Bridge is the world’s oldest working railway bridge, and it’s a hotspot for train spotters to see steam trains as they leave the nearby Hopetown Darlington attraction. It also featured on the five-pound note for some time, so you might have even had a mini version of this bridge in your purse back in the day.

10. YOU CAN GET THE ORIGINAL LEMON TOP AT PACITTO’S IN REDCAR

Parmos aren’t the only famous food from the Teesside area, there’s lemon tops too. Think super smooth, whippy ice cream, topped off with lemon sorbet – the perfect mix of sweet and tangy. It’s a must-try if you’re in any of the coastal towns, but the original is from Pacitto’s in Redcar, which has been open on the seafront for over 100 years. People from Redcar and beyond drop in to try this treat, so take this as your sign to visit.