Stewart Park is a 120-acre urban public park located in Marton-in-Cleveland, a suburb of Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire. This prestigious Green Flag Award-winning park combines historical significance, educational facilities, and recreational spaces, making it one of Middlesbrough’s most valued community assets.
Open year-round, the park offers visitors a chance to explore both natural beauty and cultural heritage in a single location.
Historical background
The park was originally the estate of Henry Bolckow, a prominent ironmaster who became Middlesbrough’s first mayor and later served as a member of parliament. In 1853, Bolckow began construction of Marton Hall, his stately home, which was completed in 1858. He meticulously landscaped the surrounding grounds, creating the foundation for what would eventually become Stewart Park.
The park received its current name from Councillor Thomas Dormand Stewart, who purchased the land in 1924 and generously donated it to the town in 1928. Landscape architect John MacKenzie designed the park’s layout. Although Marton Hall was demolished in 1960, the beautfiully maintained estate grounds continue to serve the public as Stewart Park.
Captain Cook connection
One of the park’s most significant features is the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, which opened on October 28, 1978. The museum stands near the site where the famous explorer and navigator James Cook was born in 1728. A granite urn, erected in 1852 by H.W.F. Bolckow, marks the exact birthplace location.
The museum celebrates Cook’s remarkable life and voyages through themed galleries and exhibitions. This connection to Captain Cook is particularly meaningful as he was born in Marton, lived nearby during his early years, and began his illustrious maritime career in the region before embarking on his world-changing voyages of discovery.
| Captain Cook Facts | Details |
|——————-|———|
| Birth year | 1728 |
| Birthplace | Marton (now part of Stewart Park) |
| Museum opening | October 28, 1978 |
| Birth marker | Granite urn erected in 1852 |
Educational facilities
Stewart Park is home to the Middlesbrough campus of Askham Bryan College, which took ownership of the Grade II listed Central Lodge building in 2015. The college undertook an extensive £3 million renovation project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. These renovations included comprehensive roof repairs and the creation of modern educational spaces including lecture rooms, a science laboratory, animal handling areas, workshops, and a reception area.
The college specializes in land-based education, offering courses in animal care and horticulture. It serves as the principal center for land-based education in the Tees Valley region, providing valuable learning opportunities for students interested in these fields.
Park features and amenities
Stewart Park offers visitors a diverse range of amenities and natural features. The park’s 120 acres include expansive green spaces, wooded areas, and landscaped gardens that reflect its heritage as a former stately home estate. The park’s design, created by landscape architect John MacKenzie, incorporates both natural beauty and functional recreational spaces.
The park’s location at coordinates 54°32′25″N 1°12′18″W places it conveniently within reach for residents of Middlesbrough and surrounding areas. Its Green Flag Award status recognizes the high standards of maintenance and management that visitors can expect when exploring this historic green space. The combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and educational facilities makes Stewart Park a multifaceted destination for visitors of all ages and interests.