top.jpg (2348 bytes) topright.jpg (703 bytes)


                hearse.jpg (37686 bytes)
                               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.

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.

             jennings2.gif (66196 bytes)
          Frederick Jennings                         George Jennings
        Grandson of the founder               Grandson of the founder

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.

Return to the
previous page
Proceed to the
next page
topedge.jpg (1261 bytes)
tabs.gif (6861 bytes)
middle.jpg (3677 bytes)middle.jpg (3677 bytes)middle.jpg (3677 bytes)
bottomedge.jpg (2219 bytes)
bottom.jpg (2382 bytes) bottomright.jpg (701 bytes)