Leyland Motors was created in
1896 and its multitude of cars, buses, tractors, trucks and lorries are woven
into the fabric is British transport. They even made tanks throughout the Second
World War. Here I am outside the home of Sir Henry Spurrier
who was the third generation of the Spurrier family
to run the company. He died here one day after his 66th birthday. It’s a large
house at the end of a drive off a quiet lane. Parked up peering through the
gate I stuck out like a sore thumb and didn’t stay for long.
Henry was a pilot throughout World War One but as
soon as the war ended he joined the family business and became the chief
engineer. Aged 44 he inherited control of the giant company after his dad died.
He became the Managing Director and was knighted in 1955 for his devotion to
the family business.
He liked yachting and shooting though he probably
had little time for these pursuits while being at the helm of such a capacious
company. Ill health had forced him to retire at 63 years old but he only lived
for another year. He died here at his home, the last generation of Spurrier’s to run the motor giant. He left a
widow and two daughters.
The large home in green surroundings near north
of Preston is called Ingol Cottage but it's too large
for such a name. I'm sure the warning sign stating that surveillance cameras
were watching was accurate so I didn't stay for long. It's the kind of place
cat burglars target in the dead of night. A car drove by with two people in it,
both heads swivelling about 180 degrees to watch me. If I knew they were going
to take such an interest I'd have put on my black balaclava mask and leapt over
the wall like a ninja. I did a quick salute and left.