NEHL - There are few cricket grounds even illustrated on 1850s maps, so Portrack Lane is a real treat to those interested in 19th century sport.

Portrack Lane was a cricket ground at Stockton, with the first recorded match being in 1849 between Stockton and an England XI. At this time the ground was known as the "new ground". However, it's entirely reasonable for the ground to date even earlier given the club was founded in 1816. The piece aforementioned notes that the inhabitants of Stockton will "again" have the pleasure of witnessing this match, indicating potential use previously.

Through the next decade, Stockton CC mainly played clubs around Cleveland and Durham. Matches are recorded specifically against Yarm, Swainby and Norton. a Nottinghamshire v Durham & Yorkshire match was also played at the ground in 1858, as well as a Yorkshire v Chambridgeshire match in 1861.

The plan from 1857 illustrated the cricket ground behind the Portrack Lane Iron Works with two buildings in the south end and the north west end of the ground. It was modest, but given the lack of mature sports ground at this time it is still quite incredible we can see an insight. By the 1880s/early 1890s however, this ground was no more. It appears to be absorbed into the Brick & Tile Manufactory as kilns and ovens are illustrated on the 1890s maps. Stockton moved to Grangefield in 1891.