1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith Limousine B Trivia

Millbank Rinkeries (roller skating) opened for business on Thursday November 11th 1909 at premises in West Hoe Road Plymouth formerly occupied by The Millbay Soap, Alkali and Soda Co. (who, according to an entry in the London Gazette dated 1st February 1909, were due to go into receivership by a meeting to be held at the firms offices on 10th March 1909).

The resident manager of the rink was a Mr. John Brock, the same John Brock who, by 1939 was the owner of the rink and our 1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith.

The rink initially employed “a staff of eight gentlemen and two ladies” and purchased 1,000 pairs of Richardson skates (the “Rolls-Royce” of roller skates at the time).

A sign on the wall by the skate collection booth stated “participants of the rink may purchase their own skates and leave them at the rink free of charge”.

As well as being a rink capable of holding 1,000 people, many local events were held at the premises including champion boxing matches and “Mr. Brock’s popular dances and fancy and evening dress carnivals”. Quite a well known local entrepreneur, John Brock even arranged an “amusing boxing match” between “Little Titch” and “Long Tom” two famous Music Hall entertainers at the time.

Destroyed during the Blitz in WW2 the site is now occupied by un-inspired 1960’s built flats and the area has gained a reputation as a “red light” district.