31 fabulous old photographs of Terry’s factory as we enter its 250th anniversary
Next year is the 250th anniversary of one of York’s most famous exports – Terry’s.
And to mark the anniversary York’s Chocolate Story is planning a brand new exhibition.
Terry’s of York was established in the city in 1767 by partners Bayldon and Berry who opened a shop selling lozenges, comfits and other simple confectionery before being joined in the 19th century by unlikely apothecary, Joseph Terry.
Luckily, experience in sugaring pastilles and pills meant that Mr Terry adapted easily to a career in sweets. And his scientific background made him a pioneer of new products and a precise attitude to quality.
It was this quality and innovation which made the company famous. By the 20th century Terry’s had introduced the world to the boxed chocolate assortment as well as one of the world’s most iconic products: the Terry’s Chocolate Orange.
Opium-based sweets
On March 17 2017, 250 Years of Terry’s will open at York’s Chocolate Story in King’s Square.
The exhibition will showcase a selection of the most interesting of the Terry’s products from opium-based throat sweets to some of the most beautiful and decadent chocolate boxes in history.
The exhibition will also explore the social impact on the city. Terry’s has inspired Lord Mayors, horse races and iconic architecture as well as the lives of the tens of thousands of residents who have worked for the company.
Courtesy of the Chocolate Story, here are a selection of photos that might bring back a few memories.
I joined Terrys in October 1951 and after a short spell in the Head office I was appointed Assistant Manager of the Restaurant in St Helens square and stayed there for three years. I was then moved as a rep to Liverpool for two years and then down to London for another 18 months. I left Terrys to join ITV in 1957. I have very happy memories of Terrys.
I am an expat learning with anger and horror at the stripping of assets that the EU giants have perpetrated upon wonderful English companies. I am delighted to find that Terry’s is still around but so very sad at the pictures of the ruined buildings at Rowntrees. Is there no way these great companies can claim back their heritage? There are candies marketed in America that claim to be the good old English sweets, but the small print on the labels and the inferior taste gives them away as fraudulent.
Wonderful to see all these lovely photographs from yesteryear. I worked as a Sales Rep in Scotland for Terry’s from 1969 for several years before moving into management, in all 34 years service. Terry’s had a wonderful selection of unique products, now sadly all gone with the exception of Chocolate Orange. Very sad.
I packed ducks and rabbits, also beautiful liquors in my student holidays circa 1970
My Father in Law was on maintenance, Bryan Tillott…