The Most Famous Man on Marsh Road

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For those that are drawn to the incredible community of Cannon Street, Middlesbrough, Tosh Warwick has been in touch to tell us about a brand new book he has just published, titled The Most Famous Man on Marsh Road. It is a memoir of life in interwar Middlesbrough by Patrick Durkin. Published by artist Sean Durkin.
It sounds quite fascinating and is illustrated by some wonderful paintings from Sean.

"The Most Famous Man on Marsh Road: Memoir of growing up in interwar Middlesbrough brought to life through artist and historian collaboration
Fascinating insights into life growing up in interwar Middlesbrough’s Marsh Road in the town’s Cannon Street area have been published following the discovery of the memoir of Patrick Durkin."

Loads of Details Here
 

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You would have to ask Sean but it seems pretty likely - did you know that Pat Durkin once starred in a half hour tv drama called Bottles written by Fmttm writer Bari Chohan who sadly passed away last year.
Here are some interesting quotes taken from the press release of what looks fascinating - "Patrick Durkin’s memoir provides a fascinating perspective on life growing up in early twentieth century Middlesbrough that is absent from traditional histories of the town. Durkin’s neighbourhood was likely part of the ‘colony of workmen’ Lady Bell described in her At the Works social survey just decades earlier and this account provides a sense of what life was like after Bell had departed. The Most Famous Man on Marsh Road’s often humorous and sometimes near the knuckle descriptions of extreme insanitary conditions, harsh domestic life, prejudice, substance abuse and violence is unlike any other account of Middlesbrough during this period.”
 
You would have to ask Sean but it seems pretty likely - did you know that Pat Durkin once starred in a half hour tv drama called Bottles written by Fmttm writer Bari Chohan who sadly passed away last year.
Here are some interesting quotes taken from the press release of what looks fascinating - "Patrick Durkin’s memoir provides a fascinating perspective on life growing up in early twentieth century Middlesbrough that is absent from traditional histories of the town. Durkin’s neighbourhood was likely part of the ‘colony of workmen’ Lady Bell described in her At the Works social survey just decades earlier and this account provides a sense of what life was like after Bell had departed. The Most Famous Man on Marsh Road’s often humorous and sometimes near the knuckle descriptions of extreme insanitary conditions, harsh domestic life, prejudice, substance abuse and violence is unlike any other account of Middlesbrough during this period.”

Interesting writing connection there because Yarm writer Graham Farrow whose play Rattlesnakes was made into a Hollywood film last year... his father was close friends with Park Durkin!! Love these little quirks!
 
Was it Pat or relative who kidnapped the LS Lowry painting in Middlesbrough a good while back as a harmless caper ?
ps I remember Sean back in early 90s used to enjoy a pint with him in the Linny
 
Don Revie went there as well . Isn’t it peculiar the 2 iconic managers Of the 70s going to school either side ( and a bit ) of Albert Park . Archibald and Grove Hill .
 
Don Revie went there as well . Isn’t it peculiar the 2 iconic managers Of the 70s going to school either side ( and a bit ) of Albert Park . Archibald and Grove Hill .
Have you read the book about Revie and Clough and Middlesbrough, by Roger Hermiston. Fascinating.
We took a walk guided by Roger between their houses and passing Archibald school a couple of years ago.
http://www.rogerhermiston.co.uk/books/clough-and-revie
 

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It was Sean's father I think.
It was John Durkin. He had it on the wall in the lounge when the police called around to question him at home in Cambridge Rd. Fascinating, hilarious and colourful man.
Just one of his many questionable escapades. Great company though.
 
That's right Sean's dad, John. An amazing story.
Sean has used the unpublished memoirs of his granddad Patrick (John's dad) for this book. I have heard it is fascinating and unique.
 
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I remember the actor Paddy. Every time he came on the telly in the 70s, my mam would remind us he was some kind of cousin of ours!
 
My mam was a resident of Cannon Street back in the 50s/60s. She loved all the stories and loved reading the Cannon Street facebook groups.
Her brother Alec McDonald was a semi-famous wrestler/Boxer and also the local tattooist.
 
Sean gave a talk at Art House last Tuesday about his grandfather's book - I organised this as part of Discover Middlesbrough - he tells me there should be another event coming up soon hopefully at Base Camp - the story behind the story is equally fascinating and when I find out the date I will let you know.
 
My old man was from Marsh Road. We did a family history and after my Dad and a few mates had been falsely accused of something lol (they got caught red handed and were about 14/15) the Social Worker report that was done into the living conditions of four or 5 of the families made grim reading. I know there are many fond memories of the community and its people but I think that many of them had a very difficult life in general.
 
My old man was from Marsh Road. We did a family history and after my Dad and a few mates had been falsely accused of something lol (they got caught red handed and were about 14/15) the Social Worker report that was done into the living conditions of four or 5 of the families made grim reading. I know there are many fond memories of the community and its people but I think that many of them had a very difficult life in general.
The book, now renamed, Balls To The Lot Of You, does not gloss over what a tough, tough place it was to survive in. The houses were damp, cold, dirty, overcrowded and infested. The poverty was appalling. Working conditions were little better than living conditions. Life was tough and short. And there was very little hope of escape.
 
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