Old Ted – A Wartime Teddy

Craven Museum and Gallery, Skipton

The teddy bear has been a classic children’s toy and companion since the early 20th Century. This teddy bear is known as ‘Old Ted’ and is over 100 years old. It can be found at Craven Museum in Skipton and has an extraordinary story to tell.

In 1915, during the First World War, Skipton resident Mary Mills was awaiting a package from her Uncle who lived in America. Mary’s uncle was sending Old Ted as a gift, but while sailing from America, ‘Old Ted’s’ ship was attacked by a German U-Boat and all the cargo, including Ted, was sunk in the Irish Sea. The Irish sea was often patrolled by German U Boats who could attack vessels bringing supplies to Britain and Europe from America. This object helps remind us about the impact of the war in everyday life, including on children.

We don’t know which ship Old Ted was travelling on, but we do know that some of the cargo was important as divers were sent to recover it. During this recovery operation they rescued Old Ted and posted him on to Mary in Skipton. When he arrived, he was still soaking wet from sea water and Mary had to hang him on the washing line to dry!

The teddy bear’s owner 

This photo actually shows the teddy bear’s owner Mary as an adult, with her own daughter Margaret. It was Margaret who donated her mother’s childhood teddy to the museum many years later.

Unsurprisingly, Ted is very worn and fragile now but was obviously treasured by the family.

Talking Points

Have you ever owned a Teddy bear? Did it look like Old Ted?

Why do you think the divers decided to send Old Ted to Mary? Do you think it was worth all that effort during the war?

What do you think the important cargo could have been?

Why do you think people treasure Teddy bears like Old Ted?

Do you have a toy which you think could think could be in a museum? What makes it special?