History of Chocolate in York

History of Chocolate in York is a book by Paul Chrystal, with a contribution by Joe Dickinson and photography by Mark Sunderland.

Think of York and many things spring to mind – it might be the Minster, or maybe the City Walls, perhaps it’s the Railway Museum, the Art Gallery or any of the other many tourism attractions.

But for chocoholics and sweet lovers York is forever associated with the names Rowntree & Co, Cravens and Joseph Terry & Sons. These companies were deeply embedded in York’s social fabric – and not just because they employed thousands of local people.

Although all three of these companies have either ceased trading or been taken over by large conglomerates, many of the brands live on. Rowntree’s Kit Kats are still synonymous with having “a break” for lots of people, and Mums never forget the Fruit Gums. And for many, Christmas isn’t the same without a Terry’s Chocolate Orange.

Paul Chrystal’s book tells the story of York’s confectionary industry from its origins, describing how it was much influenced by the ethics of Quaker families, when and how different confectionary items were introduced, how it was affected by two world wars and the recession between them. It also relates how the confectionary industry changed the city – commercially, economically and its social fabric.

You can buy the book on Amazon by clicking on the cover image below:

Paul Chrystal is the author of books on chocolate, the Quakers, York’s place in education and culture and on other towns in and near North Yorkshire. He is the owner of the Knaresborough Bookshop and lives not far from York.

Joe Dickinson is a Freeman of the City of York. He owns the largest collection of Rowntree’s memorabilia in the world, having worked for the company for 40 years.

Mark Sunderland was born in York and is a landscape and travel photographer based in Knaresborough, with many publishing credits in books and magazines to his name.

Lavishly illustrated, History of Chocolate in York is due to be published in March by Pen & Sword Books Ltd, based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

And coming soon to York is a new visitor attraction, read more about it here: The Sweet History of York