Stockton Races

The finish of the final race at Stockton race track

We have George Henderson, a Stockton-on-Tees exhibitor and collector, to thank for some of our earliest films. This film, purportedly of Stockton Races in 1896, could well be what it says, though we have no corroborating evidence. Either way, it’s an interesting view taken of the final race of the day with the traditional invasion of the track by the punters.

Several men cover their faces as they pass the camera looking like they don’t want to be recognised - perhaps worried that the boss or the missus might be watching. This suggests a degree of familiarity with film which may indicate that the date is rather later than 1896.