As part of our 150th anniversary celebrations, we’ve been delving into our history and discovering some amazing facts about our founders and how we’ve worked on some important transactions that have helped to shape the region in which we live, work and play.
To help us uncover the deeper history behind these documents, we have employed the services of local historian, Martin Peagam. The first job we tasked him on was to understand why we had in our possession the deeds of Constantine College – now Teesside University?
Exploring the history behind Constantine College
Martin absolutely hit the brief and uncovered the following fascinating historical insights:
“I am now of the view that Mr Gilbert Benjamin Jackson – of Jackson & Monk – was intimately involved in the birth of Constantine College, which in due course would become first Teesside Polytechnic and then Teesside University,” Martin said.
“It appears, from the papers that you kindly provided to me, that Jackson & Monk were solicitors acting on behalf of Joseph Constantine.”
Martin continues; “Constantine College would never have come into existence without what the Education Committee called ‘the munificent offer of Mr Joseph Constantine’ who, at a meeting in June 1916, made an offer of up to £40,000 for the erection of a college in Middlesbrough.
“The offer by Joseph Constantine was formalised in a Declaration of Trust drawn up by Jackson & Monk for Joseph Constantine and dated 21 August 1916.”
As Martin delved further into the discussions on forming the new college in Middlesbrough, he discovered more links. “Perhaps of more significance is that Gilbert Benjamin Jackson was present at the subsequent meetings that sought to progress the project,” Martin said.
“Sir Hugh Bell was a prime mover of the project – organising meetings with the President of the Board of Education, Herbert Fisher, and attending meetings in Whitehall and at Downing Street, as well as seeking advice from other technical colleges – but the detailed meetings took place locally, and Gilbert Benjamin Jackson was present.
Martin continues: “For instance, there was a meeting at the offices of Bell Brothers Ltd on 5th November 1917 presided over by Sir Hugh Bell, and at which were present Mr Joseph Calvert (Mayor of Middlesbrough), Mr Joseph Constantine, Mr Francis Samuelson, Mr A Read (Chief Secretary of Bolckow Vaughan Ltd), Mr J E Stead and Mr G B Jackson.
“It was at this meeting there was discussion about the purpose of the proposed Technical College.
“Mr Constantine was clear that the money he was promising was for education in metallurgy and shipbuilding, and not for ‘music, art and other similar purposes’!”
Martin says it is very clear that Mr G B Jackson acted in an advisory role, before, during and after the meeting
“There is an argument that Mr Jackson’s advice ensured that the objectives of the new college fitted in with a wider educational provision than that envisaged by the prime sponsor, thus securing the approval (and funds) of the Board of Education,” Martin said.
In January 1918, Gilbert Jackson writes to Joseph Constantine providing (diplomatically) plenty of advice about the proposed college and how it would fit in with Constantine’s desire for technical teaching and research facilities, to which he would contribute up to £40,000.
Fortunately, the arguments were persuasive as Constantine agreed.
Gilbert Jackson was then present in March 1918 at a meeting between Mr Calvert (The Mayor) and Mr Constantine at which the objectives of the college are agreed, so as to meet the requirements of the Board of Education. The need to proceed with appointing an architect was also agreed. Mr Constantine suggested a Mr Lofthouse but was advised that the appointment should be subject to competition (Graham R. Dawbarn, a London architect who was also responsible for additions to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, was appointed), and Mr Constantine secured two positions on the Governing Body.
It is clear from Martin’s research of history that our founder Gilbert Benjamin Jackson was intimately involved in the discussions leading to the development of Constantine College and, the involvement of Jackson & Monk did not end there.
The building of Constantine College was delayed by the economic recession of the 1920s, and by discussions in 1925 regarding the suitability of the site chosen for the building. The college did not open its doors until 1930, formally opened on 2 July 1930 by the future King Edward VIII, the Prince of Wales (Images below kindly provided by Hugh Jones author of Higher education postcard: Teesside University | Wonkhe)
In the meantime, Joseph Constantine had died, on 19 December 1922.
This led to discussion as to the implications for the trust. Jackson & Monk advised the Education Committee as to how the terms of the trust deed had been designed to avoid any liability for death duties and income tax. We are sure the Education Committee would be mightily relieved to receive this news!
Bringing the history to the present day, Head of Legal, Erica Turner, picks up: “Jacksons carried out some wills and trust work for Joseph Constantine, who later set up Constantine College.
“This demonstrates the lasting client relationships and partnerships Jacksons has formed over the years, as the firm still works with Teesside University to this day, as well as providing opportunities for students.”
The college opened in 1930, became Teesside Polytechnic in 1969 and the University of Teesside in 1992.
Teesside University’s Vice-Chancellor designate and Chief Executive, Professor Mark Simpson, who spoke at Jacksons’ recent 150th launch event held in the newest building on the Teesside University campus – Digital Life – described Joseph Constantine as being at “the start of our heritage”.
Since then, Professor Simpson said the college – and later polytechnic and University – has “always been keen to work more closely” with all industries serving and served by Teesside.
“Our School of Social Science and Law includes a law school,” he said.
“This, like many other areas of the University, provides students with the skills they need to provide a service to members of the public.
“When there was a significant reduction in legal aid support, the University set up a law clinic and we worked with Nigel Kidwell who used to work at Jacksons, on this.
“The law clinic has continued to expand and build confidence and skills among the students who practice within it.”
In this way, Jacksons and other local employers have helped the University in terms of how it designs the curriculum.
“The University doesn’t just serve business it creates business and industry,” said Mark.
“We have a dual role as an anchor institution – serving communities and being an important beacon of aspiration and hope.
“The best way to break down barriers is to work in partnership and collaboration, in the way we have worked with employers like Jacksons.”
Marking this 150th anniversary is a joyful milestone, and a promise. With gratitude for the past and excitement for the future, we look ahead to the next 150 years with the same commitment: to guide, support and care for the people and communities we serve – just as we have since the very beginning.
To honour this occasion, we’ve created a timeline of milestones, that celebrates our 150‑year history, our people’s achievements and of historic moments across the region we serve – an invitation to reflect on the journey we’ve shared together.
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