York’s Chocolate Story – a real taste of history

York’s Chocolate Story – a real taste of history – Long before Mary Poppins’s ‘spoonful of sugar’ there was Yorkshire apothecary Joseph Terry.

His recipe for helping the medicine go down, by sugaring pastilles and pills for dispensing to the sick in the 1820’s, was put to good use when he joined an up and coming confectionery business run by messrs Bayldon and Berry.

Joseph adapted easily to life in the sweets sector, putting his scientific background to work to pioneer innovative new products and taking over the firm that became famous the world over as Terry’s of York.

York’s Chocolate Story is celebrating the 250th anniversary of this family favourite with an exhibition that runs until the end of the year.

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 the famous Terry’s Chocolate Orange.

250 Years of Terry’s showcases 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.

A selection of old favourites such as Neapolitan, Spartan and Waifa will be on display as well as some curiosities like the poison cards contained in early Terry’s confectionery warning of sensational ingredients such as Mercury and Belladonna (Opium)!

Jenni Shepherd, exhibition coordinator said: “It has been such a joy putting together the exhibition. As well as collecting wonderful objects I have also had the opportunity to talk to so many people who worked at Terry’s. The company has a fascinating history, from chemists to confectioners, but the stories from the factories themselves and the pride of the people who worked there is what makes the company so interesting. These unique tales and memories are what ensures that Terry’s will always have a legacy in the city of York.”

The exhibition will also explore the social impact on the city. Terry’s has inspired Lord Mayors, horse races and outstanding architecture as well as the lives of the tens of thousands of residents who have worked for the company.

250 Years of Terry’s will be at York’s Chocolate Story York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York, until December 31. More at yorkchocolatestory.com