F. Pratten and Co Ltd

The business was founded in 1912 by 26 year old Frank Pratten,[1] a coal miner's son[2] from Westfield,[2] He had previously worked for another local firm, W. Edgell, but acquired a small premises off Charlton Road, Midsomer Norton, and began making prefabricated buildings with Frank Bourne.

Economic difficulties during the inter-war years made low-cost prefabricated buildings attractive and business grew.

[citation needed] Raising of the school leaving age in the UK to 15 in 1945 prompted the HORSA hut programme.

[3] Pratten Terrace is built at the former factory entrance and The Timbers opposite it, their names echoing the firm and its carpentry activities.

[citation needed] Prattens Bowls Club was the site of a fatal hot air balloon accident in 2011.