SS Millpool Model
The very first object ever donated to the museum was the model of SS Millpool.
A piece of maritime history
Stockton-on-Tees sits along the River Tees and began its industrial revolution through shipyards and docks making it one of Britian's most active maritime towns in the early 1900's.
This fascinating piece of maritime history was gifted by the Ropner family in 1952, a year before the museum officially opened to the public in 1953. The model represents one of the ships built at Ropner's Shipyard in Stockton. Launched in 1906, Millpool served for decades, surviving the perils of World War 1. However, her journey came to a tragic end in 1934 when she sank during a storm, taking all 26 crew members with her.
Who was Robert Ropner?
The name Ropner is deeply tied to Stockton's maritime heritage. Robert Ropner, a German emigrant, arrived in Hartlepool at just 19 years old and started working in the local shipyards. With ambition and skill, he quickly rose through the ranks to become the owner of Britain's third largest shipbuilding yard.
Beyond his business success, Ropner played a key role in the local community. In 1881, he purchased the hall and made several grand improvements, including the addition of a Winter Garden, a ballroom, a new entrance porch, and a Billiard Room. His influence extended into public service, where he later became both the Mayor and Member of Parliament for Stockton.
SS Millpool legacy
The model of SS Millpool is more than just a display piece as it represents the legacy of Stockton's shipbuilding industry and the contributions of the Ropner family. It serves as a reminder of the town's rich maritime past and the lives that were shaped by it.
When you visit the Preston Park Museum, take a moment to admire the SS Millpool model and appreciate the history it holds.
