*British, 1931, Middlesbrough Centenary Celebrations Commemorative Medal / Badge*
A commemorative medal issued to mark the Middlesbrough Centenary Celebrations of 1931, celebrating one hundred years since the town’s emergence as a major industrial centre following the development of the port and railway in the early 1830s.
The medal consists of a circular white-metal badge suspended from a crown-shaped brooch mount, a common style for civic and jubilee medals of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The obverse displays the borough coat of arms of Middlesbrough within a circular title band reading: “MIDDLESBROUGH CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS 1931.”
The arms show a lion rampant within a shield, derived from the arms of the medieval de Brus family, historically associated with the region. Across the upper portion of the shield appear three sailing ships, symbolising the importance of maritime trade and shipbuilding to Middlesbrough’s rapid growth during the Victorian industrial era. Beneath the shield is the town’s Latin motto “ERIMUS” (“We shall be”), reflecting the optimistic civic spirit that accompanied Middlesbrough’s development from a small settlement into a major industrial port.
The medal is suspended from a mural crown mount, symbolising civic authority and municipal status. The reverse of the medal is plain and the brooch retains its original pin fitting.
These medals were produced as souvenirs and presentation pieces during the Centenary Week celebrations held from 5–12 July 1931, which included parades, historical pageants, sporting events, and civic festivities throughout the town.
Approx. Measurements: Diameter: 3 cm.
History Note:
Middlesbrough’s centenary marked the transformation of the town from a small riverside hamlet into one of Britain’s most important industrial centres. The arrival of the Stockton & Darlington Railway extension in 1830 enabled the export of coal and later iron from the Teesside region, leading to rapid urban expansion. The 1931 celebrations highlighted this remarkable growth and were accompanied by numerous commemorative items such as programmes, badges, and medals like the present example.
*Condition*
Good overall with age-related wear and oxidation to the white metal. Some light pitting and surface marks consistent with age. Brooch pin intact. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
