The River Tees

The Borough of Stockton-on-Tees owes much of its development to the River Tees. In the early 13th century, Yarm was the most prosperous port on the river. Sailing ships brought wine and flax to the town and sheepskins for the tanneries along the river banks. On the return journey salt, agricultural produce and lead from the mines in Swaledale were transported by sea to London and to the north east coastal ports.

With the expansion of the coal trade in the 17th century, Stockton became the major river port when coal was carried to the docks from the Durham coalfield by horse and cart to be shipped to London and overseas.

More recently, the River Tees is still a very important part of, and indeed is the heart of the town albeit in a very different way.

After undergoing a major clean up operation, and with the creation of the Tees Barrage, the river is now used for various water sports and is home to the Teesside Princess River Cruiser and a replica of Captain Cooks ship, HM Bark Endeavour.

The river upstream from the Barrage is so clean that we are now seeing the return Salmon and Sea Trout fishing and the Tees has once again, become a highly valued coarse fishery.

For around 100 years species such as the Common Seal and Grey Seal were lost from the estuary due to heavy industrial pollution. In recent times however, with the dramatic improvement in water quality, they can be seen in large numbers along the estuary and on the flats at Seal Sands.

The River Tees Bridges

Along the 15 mile stretch of river from Middlesbrough & Stockton to Yarm there are twelve bridges spanning the Tees, including the most recent that is still under construction on the north shore of the river (multi- award winning Infinity Bridge which opened in May 2009).

Stockton Riverside is used for many of the events which take place over the Stockton International Riverside Festival and over the years has been the location for the Stockton Fireworks Display held on Bonfire Night.

Future plans for the river include the development of facilities such as cafes, restaurants, walkways and cycle routes.

Information on regeneration of the River Tees can be found here.