The North East Film Archive is one of a network of regional film archives established to collect, preserve and show film made in, or about the North East of England. Our collections are non-fiction, and date from the early 1900s to the present day, providing a rich record of life in the region over the 20th century. Many of our films are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free
Opening of the Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge
Extraordinary pictures of an accident with a royal audience at Middlesbroughs magnificent Transporter Bridge in 1911.
From the collection of:
Overview
A surprise scoop awaits a news cameraman at the opening ceremony of the high and mighty steel Transporter Bridge in Middlesbrough on October 17th 1911. Queen Victorias grandson, Prince Arthur of Connaught, declares the bridge open from the Transporter car, crowded with important civic dignitaries including the Mayor, Sir Hugh Bell. Astonished guests witness an unfortunate accident as the bridge car moves off on its inaugural trip across the River Tees.
This local topical most certainly thrilled the crowds at cinemas, and probably screened, along with live acts, at cinema magnate Tommy Thompsons Middlesbrough theatres, Cleveland Hall, affectionately known as the "Bug and Flea", and the Hippodrome in Wilson Street, purchased in 1910. Equally, the combination of royal celebrity and a new iconic bridge in town would have lured audiences. The wonderful lacy structure impressed architectural historian Sir Nikolaus Pevsner in 1966, when his Yorkshire guide noted: ...A European monument, one is tempted to say, is the Transporter Bridge of 1911, 850 feet long and 225 feet high, and in its daring and finesse, a thrill to see from anywhere.
Related
Watch for free
The Big Country The Big Country
Promotional 1970 16 mins Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Tuning into the biggest consumer market for television advertising in Britain with Trident TV.
Watch for free
Son of Plain - Advertising Man's Guide to Tyne Tees Television Son of Plain - Advertising Man's Guide to Tyne Tees Television
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1964 11 mins Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Is comedian Clive Dunn the Don Draper of the British advertising world? Watch this imaginative Tyne Tees TV marketing film and decide.
Watch for free
The Disabled and Work The Disabled and Work
Documentary 1981 32 mins Location: Middlesbrough
A film which shows the desire and dedication of those with disability to become integrated into the world of work.
Watch for free
Son of the Man from South Bank Son of the Man from South Bank
Amateur film 1964 3 mins Silent Location: Middlesbrough
Now that’s magic! A young Paul Daniels performs with a flourish at the Middlesbrough Circle of Magicians.
Watch for free
College Church May Procession College Church May Procession
Home movie 1965 2 mins Silent Location: Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough’s Catholic children make their way to church to take part in their First Communion in the 1960s.
Watch for free
Middlesbrough Football Song Sung by School Choir Middlesbrough Football Song Sung by School Choir
News 1975 2 mins Location: Middlesbrough
A schoolboy choir sing the praises of Middlesbrough Football Club.
Watch for free
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Watch for free
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.