Stewart Park (Middlesbrough)

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The site of the cottage where Captain James Cook was born can be found in the park. Although the building has long since disappeared, a granite urn marks the approximate site. Nearby is the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum. The 'lost village' of East Marton was also in the park area and an archaeological geophysical survey in September 1998 showed evidence of the village. In 2003, Stewart Park was the subject of Channel 4's Time Team programme, presented by Tony Robinson.

The park was initially landscaped by Henry Bolckow, one of Middlesbrough's ironmasters and the borough's first mayor. Bolckow built Marton Hall in 1858. Councillor Thomas D Stewart gave the park to the people of Middlesbrough in 1928 and he intended it to be "a public possession, open and accessible to all the people for all time".

Unfortunately the hall had to be demolished after a fire, and the only remnant, a glasshouse/hot-house was pulled down in the mid-nineties. The only evidence that there was ever a grand building there is a stone portico by the Museum.

Today the park covers about 120 acres (0.49 km²) and consists mainly of mature woodland and arboretum on the south side, with open parkland on the northern (Middlesbrough) side. There are two lakes which are the home to Canada and greylag geese, moorhens, coots and various types of duck. An extensive pets corner houses many types of domesticated animals, fallow deer, highland cattle, llamas, goats, peacocks, pheasants, rabbits and guinea pigs. In the past the park has been plagued with Myxomatosis, quite probably introduced by people abandoning their pet rabbits in the park.

Various nature, heritage, orienteering and tree trails are provided within the park, which are popular with school visits. The park also hosts larger events in the park such as the Cleveland Show and Gypsy Fairs. It has also been the venue for various Radio 1 events.

The park has been credited with the Green Flag Park Award by the Civic Trust.