Teesside, the urban region perched on the muddy banks of the River Tees in northeast England, used to be a global beacon of industry. In the mid-19th century, the port of Middlesbrough forged its reputation as “Ironopolis,” boasting nearly 100 blast furnaces that roared away round the clock. The town was also a major chemicals hub, drawing on the rock salt deposits at the mouth of the chilly North Sea to produce alkalis, fertilizers, and plastics.
