Alexander Robertson was born in Scotland but moved to Middlesbrough sometime around 1820.  He married Mary Thurlon from Penshaw and is recorded as working in the Middlesbrough Pottery in 1830.

Building of the Middlesbrough Pottery in 1831

The Middlesbrough Pottery was the first established industry in Middlesbrough predating iron and steel. It was established in 1831 and Middlesbrough Pottery in today highly collectable. The Middlesbrough Pottery Company was founded in 1834 and was in production until 1857.

Shipyards sprang up, namely Harkness, Dixons, Rake Kimber and J G Holmes. Industry associated with the Cleveland Docks were developed, and later salt and chemical production came into being.

This more detailed census gives a clearer picture of what was going on ‘on the shop floor’ than the earlier one did. John Fawley and Thomas Birks were ‘slip makers’ = preparing the liquid clay. Throwers, Jonathon Nels and his son would operate the wheels to produce jugs and vases. Alexander Robertson and his son attend to plates and dishes as ‘pressers’. Cup-making was a separate job – John Jones of Wellington Street was one of them; his wife, like most of the women and girls, being employed as a transferrer.

The Middlesbrough Pottery (building above).

Two pieces, specifically commissioned from Middlesbrough Pottery belong to John Duncan who is descended from John Duncan, Tees Pilot – the very first pilot to live in Middlesbrough way back in 1830. The handsome soup plate and bowl specially made by Middlesbrough Pottery were for his son. John Duncan to take to sea with him. No danger of young John (he was 20 years old at the time) having to sup his soup from another man’s bowl – his name appears in bold letters. On the plate is a picture of a square rigged, three masted sailing ship, surrounded by the initials J.D.H.C. We haven’t been able to identify the ship and no one is quite sure what the initials stand for – except they are not the usual combination that commemorate a marriage. It has been suggested that they represent the identifying letters of the ship. Source: Middlesborough Pottery history book.

Turkish Baths

1885

Annie Robertson (Catherine Jackson Sister) marries Alfred C. Duncan, September 27^th 1885. Alfred is recorded as a Widower, Master Mariner residing in Middlesbrough. His father is recorded as Charles Chrystal Duncan and Steam Boat Owner. Annie is recorded as living at 62 High Street, Stockton on Tees, and James Robertson is recorded as Attendant at Turkish Bath. This confirms that between 1881 and 1885 James stopped working in the Steel Industry and worked at the Turkish Baths. The marriage was witnessed by James Robertson and Kate Robertson.