PRESTON Jenkinson is not an amalgam of two names as some people think. It's the name of an inspirational businessman who created what, at one time, was said to be Yorkshire's biggest carpet house right here in Batley.

Preston learned his trade by working at his grandfather's business, B Jenkinson and Son, in Town Street, Batley Carr, which was involved in flock and horse clothing manufacturing but which, significantly, also dealt in wholesale linoleum.

For younger readers unaware of lino, as it was was usually called, it was a patterned water resistant material often used on the floors of homes where carpeting was considered either unsuitable or too costly.

At the time Preston's brothers, William and Joseph, were partners in the business, but in 1907 this partnership was dissolved and Preston struck out on his own.

Initially he operated as an auctioneer at Woodkirk, where he was to build the family home Kirklea, but quickly became known as one of the best carpet salesmen in the country.

He was involved in the building of the picture house in Well Lane – later to be known as The Plaza – and also bought a piece of adjoining land fronting on to Commercial Street on which he built his impressive carpet store complete with a billiard hall on the upper floor.

Some people have suggested that this was a device which allowed menfolk to be occupied while their spouses enjoyed oceans of undisturbed time to peruse the various designs and qualities of carpets on the floors below.

Whatever, the business proved so attractive that, within a few years he was able to build a much more spacious building at the foot of Hick Lane.

Described as the largest store of its kind in Yorkshire, it boasted two spacious display floors for carpets and linoleum and was so popular that, for a considerable time, it was credited with selling a mile of linoleum every week.

It again had a billiard hall on the top floor which boasted nine or 10 tables, some of them up to championship standard.
Another feature of the building was the huge all-glass concave window on the ground floor display area which sadly was abused by passers-by who left all kinds of rubbish in its well.

Sadly Preston died at the age of 51 while rushing to get from one business meeting to another in the centre of Leeds. He attempted to board a moving tram as it left the stop in Wellington Street but failed to get a firm grip on the upright pole on the tramdeck. He fell backwards into the cobbled road and fatally fractured his skull.

The store, however, continued in family hands throughout its life with Preston's son Ben Preston Jenkinson taking over its management until his death in 1951.

He was succeeded by his son Benjamin David Jenkinson who was in charge for 40 years before handing over management to his son Roger Michael Jenkinson in 1991.
The shop closed just under two years ago.