Terry, we want you!

Film and TV star Terry Crews, ex-England footballer John Terry and Facejacker’s Terry Tibbs – York’s Chocolate Story wants you!

Our diverse list of Terrys has brought pleasure to millions down the years and now each can have their own, sweet experience on us – and you can, too. But ‘why?’ I hear you ask…

The unlikely trio share their names with the founding families of York’s confectionary industry which means they’re guaranteed free entry to take one of our famous Guided Tours to learn all about the history of chocolate – from the rainforests of Central America 4,000 years ago to the iconic brands hitting the shelves today.

We tell the story of Chocolate Orange pioneers Terry’s, Fruit Pastilles and Kit Kat creators Rowntree’s and boiled sweet manufacturer Craven’s, among others! We’re opening our doors for a fortnight to anyone who shares a special bond with these confectionary connoisseurs.

It’s simple. If your forename or surname is Terry, Craven or Rowntree, the ultimate chocolate experience awaits.

How to claim your free tickets

To claim a free ticket, all a guest needs to do is show their photo ID at York’s Chocolate Story’s admissions desk when they arrive to make their booking. Full terms and conditions can be found here.

The story of York’s founding families

Mary Tuke: One strand of the Rowntree story can be traced all the way back to 1725. Mary and her family were Quakers who favoured the cocoa industry because it offered workers an alternative to alcohol. She met resistance from the Merchant Adventurers’ Company, whose rules determined that a licence was required in order to trade, and she was deemed ineligible being neither widow nor daughter of a member of the company.

Henry Isaac Rowntree: More than a century later, Henry bought the Tuke cocoa and chocolate business. In 1860, he joined the Rowntree business and two years later bought out the chocolate and cocoa-making department and a legend was born.

Joseph Rowntree: After early struggles, Henry’s older brother, Joseph, joined the business helping it to flourish. Rowntree’s Fruit Pastilles and then Fruit Gums were launched and, in 1897 after Henry died, the company released their famous Elect Cocoa. The factory continued to thrive and Joseph decided to use his wealth to tackle poverty through philanthropy to improve working and living conditions for factory workers.

Mary Ann Craven: After her husband died in 1860, Mary Craven ran the Craven’s business for more than 40 years, right up until her death in 1902. She wasn’t very tall and apparently used to have a high chair she would sit on so she could oversee the packing of the confectionery!

Joseph Terry: Around 1767, William Bayldon and Robert Berry established a business selling cough lozenges, lemon and orange candied peel and other sweets. In 1823, Joseph Terry married Robert Berry’s niece and joined the firm, later establishing ‘Terry and Berry’. The business was renamed ‘Terry’s’ five years later when Robert left the business. Clever use of the new railways saw the company’s products being sold in 75 towns across the north of England.

Frank Terry: Frank took over the business, along with his son Noel, after Joseph’s death in 1898. They established products such as Spartan, All Gold and Terry’s Chocolate Orange. Frank was knighted in 1936 and made a High Sheriff of York in 1945.