Middlesbrough Hydraulic Clock Tower

The Middlesbrough Hydraulic Clock Tower is a Grade II* listed building at Middlesbrough Dock in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, England. It contains two large cast-iron tanks that formerly powered the dock gates, cranes and other machinery. The tower was also used as a navigational aid and was restored in 2005.

History

Middlesbrough Hydraulic Clock Tower from a side angle
The lottery fund plaque found on the tower

The current hydraulic clock tower was originally thought to have been built c. 1870.[1] However, more recent sources suggest it was likely built in 1903.[2][3][4]

The building is no longer in use, but retains two large cast iron tanks that would have powered the dock gates, cranes, and other machinery.[3] Due to its size and visibility it was also used as a navigational aid along the river.[1] Only three sides of the clock tower feature a clock face, the leading theory is that this is due to the industrialists concerns that dock workers would clock watch.[2]

A prior hydraulic clock tower existed roughly 200m away from the current site. It was originally built in either 1846[4] or 1847.[3] It was demolished due to the relocation of the dock entrance[4] and expansion of the site.[3]

It is believed to have been designed by the North Eastern Railway architect department,[4] however Historic England lists Philip Webb as the architect.[1] The steelworks was owned by the Bell Brothers. One of the directors, Sir Hugh Bell was also a director at the North Eastern railway, and three times mayor of Middlesbrough.

In 1999 the clock tower was designated as a Grade II* listed building,[1] and in 2005 it was restored.[3]

Showing the side of the tower without a clock face

Architecture

It features red engineering brick with red sandstone and terracotta dressings with a Welsh Slate roof.[1] The interior of the building features 4 floors.[1]

Middlesbrough docks
The front face of the Middlesbrough Hydraulic Clock Tower

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Dock Clock Tower, Non Civil Parish - 1139871 | Historic England". historicengland.org.uk. Retrieved 2026-03-17.
  2. 1 2 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Middlesbrough_Hydraulic_Clock_Tower_Lottery_Fund_Plaque.jpg
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "The Story of Middlesbrough's Dock Towers – Lost Teesside". 2024-08-24. Retrieved 2026-03-17.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Craigie, Emily (2022-12-31). "Iconic listed clock tower that has stood empty for 40 years to receive facelift". Teesside Live. Retrieved 2026-03-17.
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