ABSTRACT
Birkenhead and Middlesbrough were to develop into major industrial areas. Middlesbrough was thus in a unique position as a Victorian new town in the north-east/eastern coastal area. Established in 1830 on the south bank of the River Tees for the export of coal it developed into one of the nation's major manufacturers of wrought iron. The formation of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in the 1820s had led to Stockton-on-Tees becoming the coal-handling centre of the River Tees. The intention of the OME was to establish a port at Middlesbrough for the export of coal, and the new town was to house the labour needed for the operation. The success of Port Darlington and the industrial ventures with the consequent growth of the population led to increasing demands for public services. In 1841 the Middlesbrough Improvement Commission was established with powers to govern the town and with authority to establish a public market.
