Survey of English Place-Names

Etymology

The parish of Stockton-on-Tees was formed out of what had been a parochial chapelry of Norton and comprises the townships of East Hartburn, Preston-on-Tees, and Stockton. The land generally lies at an elevation of 50–100ˈ OD. Stockton is now mainly urban but was once a rich agricultural district described in 1569 as “the best country for corn” and in 1647 as “champion country, very fruitful, through on stiff clay”.In 1905 there were 1,055 acres of arable and 2,671 acres of permanent grass, VCH III 348. Stockton was also an important port and ships formerly sailed right up to the town quays. The winding course of the Tees, however, was a serious impediment and in 1810 a cut was made across the large bend called Mandale and a second cut in 1831. The land cut off was added to Yorkshire in 1887.

Major Settlements

• Preston-on-Tees
• Stockton-on-Tees (the Borough of Stockton)
• East Hartburn