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An Exceptional Undertaking
The Story of the Jennings Family Business
by Bev
Parker |
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The business was quickly outgrowing the Union Mill Street property and
larger premises were urgently required. In between 1893 and 1903 Frederick
moved the business into St James Street. This provided the much needed extra
space with room for stabling, a coach house and up-to-date workshops.
Frederick ran the business for 41 years until his death in 1916. He was
followed by his three sons; Frederick (Jnr), George, and John (known as
Jack) who became a Methodist Minister after leaving His Majesty's Forces.
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A Jennings hearse and
carriage in 1910. |
On the hearse is Frederick Jennings (Snr) with Jack Jennings who later became a Methodist Minister.
On the carriage is Frederick Jennings (Jnr) and Thomas Picken, who was the groom. |
| On the top is Frederick Jennings, son
of the founder. Bottom left is
Frederick Jennings, grandson of the founder, and Bottom right is
George Jennings, also grandson of the founder. |
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| Frederick and George took charge jointly and began to carry through the
improvements started by their father. They extended the facilities available
to relatives of the deceased by purchasing and refurbishing an adjacent
property in Horseley Fields.
An oak panelled service chapel was added, and
by 1937 three rest chapels with leaded windows were also added. Further
improvements were carried out to the offices, reception rooms, workshop and
garage. The horse-drawn hearses were replaced by motor vehicles including a
model T Ford, and the firm brought its first Daimlers from the Royal Mews at
Buckingham Palace. |
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