Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough is a town in North-East England. It was historically part of the North Riding of Yorkshire, but then became part of the Metropolitan County of Cleveland. In 1996 it instead became a Unitary Authority. The town of Middlesbrough is the administrative centre of Middlesbrough Unitary Authority and has a population of about 150,000.

Situated on the south bank of the river Tees, it became a town in 1830 as part of the extension to the Stockton and Darlington Railway. An industrial town, chemicals, fertilizers, iron and steel are the main industries. The Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia was constructed by a Middlesbrough firm.

Middlesbrough has a large and comprehensive shopping centre made up of several smaller centres. The football team, Middlesbrough F.C, are based on the outskirts of Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium. The Transporter Bridge is a famous piece of architecture, one of only three in Britain and the largest operational bridge of this kind in the world.

Captain Cook was born in Middlesbrough. Other famous people from the town include comedian Bob Mortimer, musician Chris Rea, magician Paul Daniels, rugby player Rory Underwood and footballer Don Revie.