Stockton-on-Tees is commonly referred to simply as "Stockton" and this brevity is understandable considering all the exciting and fascinating things there are to do in the town. After all, Stockton and its general borough is home to nearly two hundred thousand people and each and every one of them is on their way in one direction or another.
Stockton wasn't always the thriving metropolis that it is today, however. There was a time when this bustling burg was little more than a meek Anglo-Saxon village. By the Middle Ages Stockton was already thriving, though, and in 1310 it earned a market charter which allowed it to have a weekly market but, more importantly, truly consider itself a real English city. In no time Stockton became a place to keep your eye on and the famed Stockton Castle stood proudly as an imposing edifice to pay homage to or hide in fear from. Unfortunately, visitors to Stockton today won't be able to see what was once a downright gorgeous edifice. This is due to the fact that, in the 1600s, when the English Civil War ended, Oliver Cromwell ordered the destruction of the Castle. It is truly a great loss that we can't lay eyes on Stockton Castle, and it hurts even more knowing that there are no remaining pictures and very little idea into what the Castle may have looked like. Oliver Cromwell destroyed a great many castles and cathedrals when he became the ruler of England. On the other hand, he did quite a few things that were revolutionary in their time for how forward-thinking and brilliant they were. Even still, he murdered his own king. One could go on for days just trying to come up with a real way to explain the character of Cromwell and countless books have been written about this unbelievably complex man. Suffice to say, though, that he's to blame for us not knowing what Stockton Castle looked like. We can, however, shop at the Castlegate Centre, the shopping center that now stands on the earth where the Stockton Castle once stood.
Fortunately, there are plenty of gorgeous and amazing sights within Stockton that will offer too many thrills to allow you to think of any buildings that no longer remain. Of particular note is Stockton's well-known High Street. Many say that it is the widest in England and if there are any competitors to the title they haven't spoken out yet. Stockton is also home to one of the most impressive and beautiful fireworks displays in the United Kingdom. Each year on November 5th the town puts on a display that has gotten more and more amazing with each passing year. It is said that the last few displays have attracted almost one hundred and fifty thousand spectators each time. This seems to be the nature of Stockton more than anything else: An unwavering dedication to pleasing the many citizens who call the town home. Tourists often marvel at how accommodating the city is and residents often say they'll never leave it. If only every city were as thrilling and lovable as Stockton.
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