Design for the Proposed Church at Middlesborough 1837

John Green designed this proposal for the church at Middlesborough with pen and watercolor on paper. During the Industrial Revolution, the population of Middlesborough exploded, and with it came a pressing need for social structures. Churches were more than just places of worship; they were symbols of community and social order. Green’s design speaks to the aspirations of a rapidly growing town. The architecture reflects the values of the time, but the design hints at the tensions inherent in a society undergoing profound change. This church could have served as a place of solace and reflection but also as a reminder of social hierarchies. While the church aimed to unite the community under a shared faith, it could also underscore the divisions within it. The design emphasizes the emotional weight of such structures, especially for those whose lives were most impacted by industrialization. It embodies the hopes, dreams, and anxieties of a community on the cusp of transformation.