Delighted that over the next five weeks, author Robbie Cheadle will be sharing the The York Chocolate story with us, following her recent trip to the UK.. And I will be featuring a different Sir Chocolate Story and Cookbook each week.
The York Chocolate Story – Part One – Mary Tuke and the Rountree brothers
My family and I visited York on our recent trip to the UK. I had no idea that York has a great chocolate making past or that this city is the UK’s home of chocolate.
Mary Tuke
Mary Tuke was born in York in 1695, to a prominent Quaker family; her grandfather was one of 4,000 people jailed for their beliefs in the 1660s.
In 1725, Mary opened a shop in Walmgate selling groceries. Her shop specialised in selling tea, coffee and cocoa, the last of which was sold as a solid cake. During the Georgian era, cocoa would have been served to the wealthy inhabitants of Micklegate and Bootham for breakfast, mixed with simmering milk or water in an elegant pot to make a chocolate drink.
Trade in York at the time was controlled by the Company of Merchant Adventurers of York.
They set rules and tariffs for trade in York and any non-member setting up a business would be in breach of the law. The Merchant Adventurers went after Mary, tying her up in court cases and threatening her with fines and even prison for over seven years. Eventually, Mary’s tenacity wore them down and she was given a license to trade in York for only GBP 10.
Mary was a spinster and she took her fourteen year old nephew William as an apprentice. When she died in 1752 she left her successful grocery business to William, then aged twenty years old. The business remained in Tuke family hands until 1862, introducing products such as Tukes’ Rich Cocoa, Tukes Plain Chocolate and Tukes Diary Chocolate, when the cocoa division of Tuke & Co was sold to Henry Isaac Rountree.
The Rountrees
In 1869, his brother Joseph joined the company, which was failing, and used his experience as a master grocer to turn the company around. The first great success for the Rountree brothers came in 1881 when, with the help of a French confectioner, the firm began to manufacture pastilles which had previously been imported from France.
In 1883, Henry died at the age of 45 years old and Joseph took over the business. He developed Rountree’s Elect Cocoa in 1887 which also became very popular.
It was George Harris, the husband of Henry’s granddaughter, Frieda, who was instrumental in creating the confectionary giant we know today. George pioneered a new style of branding in terms of which brand was king, and brought Rountree’s into the modern age. It was during this period that many of Rountree’s biggest brands were created including KitKat, Black Magic, Aero, Dairy Box, Smarties, Rolos and Polos which all came out in the 1930s.
During the 1960’s, Rountree’s merged with Mackintosh’s to become Rountree Mackintosh. Subsequent to this merger, the company launched Quality Street, Rolo and Toffee Crisp.
Rountree’s was acquired by Nestlé in 1988 and the Rowntree brand continues to be used to market Nestlé’s jelly sweet brands, such as Fruit Pastilles and Fruit Gums.
KitKat vending machine from the 1970’s on display at York’s Chocolate Story.
Previous Rountree brand leaders used in the creation of Chocolate Land and its characters
Chocolate house with a KitKat roof and Smarties decoration which features on the front cover of Sir Chocolate and the Condensed Milk Story and Cookbook
If you are visiting York then you cannot miss a visit to museum: https://www.yorkschocolatestory.com/
©Robbie Cheadle 2019
About Sir Chocolate and the Condensed Milk Story and Cookbook by Robbie and Michael Cheadle.
The Condensed Milk River where Sir Chocolate goes fishing has stopped flowing. The water creatures are losing their homes. Can Sir Chocolate and Lady Sweet solve this problem? Five lovely new recipes are also included.;
One of the reviews for the book
What a lovely, fun book to read! The poems are fun to read out loud and the illustrations of fondant look so yummy. The recipe is there for making marshmallow flowers too so we can try our hand at making our own. This is the first book I’ve read in the series and want to read the others. We’re always looking for new projects we can do together and this project is the next on our list! The trolls are adorable, too. Highly recommended.
A selection of other Sir Chocolate stories and other books by Robbie Cheadle
Read all the reviews and buy the books:https://www.amazon.com/Robbie-Cheadle/e/B01N9J62GQ
And on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Robbie-Cheadle/e/B01N9J62GQ
Read more reviews and follow Robbie on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15584446.Robbie_Cheadle
About Robbie Cheadle
Robbie, short for Roberta, is an author with five published children’s picture books in the Sir Chocolate books series for children aged 2 to 9 years old (co-authored with her son, Michael Cheadle), one published middle grade book in the Silly Willy series and one published preteen/young adult fictionalised biography about her mother’s life as a young girl growing up in an English town in Suffolk during World War II called While the Bombs Fell (co-authored with her mother, Elsie Hancy Eaton). All of Robbie’s children’s book are written under Robbie Cheadle and are published by TSL Publications. Robbie has recently branched into adult horror and supernatural writing and, in order to clearly differential her children’s books from her adult writing, these will be published under Roberta Eaton Cheadle. Robbie has two short stories in the horror/supernatural genre included in Dark Visions, a collection of 34 short stories by 27 different authors and edited by award winning author, Dan Alatorre. These short stories are published under Robbie Cheadle.
I have been drawn to the horror and supernatural genres of books all my life. At the age of ten years old I embarked on reading Stephen King’s books including The Shining and Salem’s Lot. These books scared me so much I had to put them aside by 6P.M. in the evening in order to get a good night’s sleep but they also fascinated me. I subsequently worked my way through all of Stephen King’s earlier books as well as those of Dean R. Koontz.
I have read a large number of classics, in particular, I enjoy Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Charles Dickens and the works of the Bronte sisters.
I am hugely interested in the history of the United Kingdom as well as the mythology and tales of the paranormal that are abundant on this intriguing European island.
Connect to Robbie Cheadle
Website/Blog Roberta Writes: https://robertawrites235681907.wordpress.com/
Blog: https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/
Website: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SirChocolateBooks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bakeandwrite
My thanks to Robbie for sharing this series with us and please join us again next Monday for Part Two of York’s Chocolate Story..
I love Mary’s tenacity!
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Definitely Barbara Ann.. especially in those times.x
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An amazing woman for her time.
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Hi Sally, thank you very much for having Michael and I over today with this story. I was quite taken with the history of chocolate in York.
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Love all things chocolate Robbie but at the moment the nearest I am getting is your posts.. and enjoying… thank you for letting me share… hugsx
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Yes, we all have to control our intake of sweet things, don’t we?
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I am on the last leg of a get fit programme and something had to go (temporarily)…xx
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I enjoyed this, well done, Robbie. And when I read in your bio about your interest in Steven King, it made me think of recently meeting his protege at The Chanticleer Review’s conference, in Bellingham, Washington. Look into the author, J.D. Barker. I heard him talk 3 times at this conference, and he brought the house down. Typically not my genre, but I read this author’s latest and it was masterful. Young enough lad; now co-writes with Steven King 🙂
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Thanks Claire for that recommendation..x
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I don’t know JD Barker in his own capacity, Claire, but I knew Stephen King was co-writing theses days. Thanks for sharing that information, I appreciate it.
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Robbie and Sally: J.D. Barker has the most fascinating personal story of all times. I think it’s probably on his website, but in essence, he was once a book doctor, who was instrumental in creating 6 NYT bestsellers before he quit his job and started writing his own books! Nicest, most sincere guy, ever, who was Chanticleer’s keynote speaker and basically told everyone how he worked his career. It was staggering, and boy, can this guy write a thriller!
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Always great to hear from the best in the craft..learn from the best.. thanks Claire..xxx
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I will definitely look him up. Thanks again.
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I had no idea. My chocolate knowledge goes as far as Hershey’s (and their war effort) and Nestle. Fascinating.
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Glad you enjoyed Jacqui.. xx
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I had no idea either, Jacqui. I also found it very interesting, especially Mary’s role at that particular time in history when women were so repressed.
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This is so interesting. I had no idea that chocolate had such an amazing history. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you Karen Anna..hugsx
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Thank you, Karen. I found it interesting and am glad you also did. It gets even more interesting as the history progresses.
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Reblogged this on lucinda E Clarke and commented:
Another great blog from Sally.
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Thank you for sharing, Lucinda.
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She’s quite a woman is our Robbie! Most grateful for coverage Sally. Fascinating stuff. Hugs xx
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Fantastic Joy and more to come next week hugsxxx
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Thank you, Joy. The world is so full of interesting information and places.
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Thanks, Robbie. I love York and I remember visiting the house of one of the families who were also involved in the chocolate manufacturing in the town (Terry’s Chocolate, in that case, Goddards House and Garden, well worth a visit). I look forward to your stories in the coming weeks! Thanks, Sally!
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Thanks Olga..hugs
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I am delighted you enjoyed this, Olga, and thank you for that piece of information. I want to go back to York as there are still a number of places I want to see. I will remember this place too.
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Reblogged this on Robbie's inspiration and commented:
The lovely Sally Cronin has hosted me for the first post in a five post series about the York Chocolate Story. Do pop over to Smorgasbord and find out about the origin of your favourite chocolates and have a look around Sally’s amazing blog while you are there.
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Thanks for a wonderful start to the series Robbie..hugs
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This is just the PERFECT topic for Robbie to write about 🥰
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Exactly Ritu.. ♥
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🥰
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Thank you, Ritu. Interestingly enough, I hardly ever eat chocolate or cake. I don’t have a sweet tooth at all.
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No… You just tempt us with your amazing creations!
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This is why you are slim and I am not!!! xx
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Thank you for the interesting story about Mary Tuke Robbie. When I eat chocolate, Nestlé brand is my favorite. Thank you, Sally for posting Robbie’s Chocolate series.
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Thanks Miriam..♥
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You’re welcome, Sally. ❤
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Hi Miriam, I am glad you found this story interesting.
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I did, Robbie. It’s intriguing to me to find the origin of things.
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Interesting history, Robbie. I’m guessing York’s peppermint patty carries the city’s name.
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I am sure Robbie has the answer to that for you John..xx
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Hi John, York’s peppermint patties are a Hershey’s product and originate from York, Pennsylvania [and not York in England]. Thanks for your interest.
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Darn. Thought we had an import on our hands. (Of course, if I bothered to read the wrapper I would have known) Thanks, Robbie.
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There is a Kendal (the Lake District) Mint Cake John that is used as an energy bar for climbers and hikers and the is very nice.. if you want an import…https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kendal_Mint_Cake
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Thank you, Sally.
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hugsxx
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♥️
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Great history lesson… Oh, for the love of chocolate! ❤
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With you on that Bette. ♥
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Thank you, Bette. I am currently in Budapest and noted with interest that they have Kitkat’s and Smarties here too.
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Enjoy! 🙂
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What a sweet history information. Thank you to Robbie, and you Sally for reposting. Also never heared about this, but somewhere in every country in the past there need to be a city with people loving chocolate and other sweets. 😉 Horrible living without these things. Michael
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It would be dire Michael.. hugsx
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HI Michael, chocolate is a great treat. Your comment made me think about the book 1984 by George Orwell, which I am currently listening to. In this story, the population is rationed to 20 grams of chocolate a week. That isn’t very much. Have a lovely day, Michael. Hugs.
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A very interesting information, Roobie! I remembered something like this, but not enough to think on Orwell. Hope we dont get such times. Have a lovely day too. Michael
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Fascinating information, Robbie. I recall going on a tour of Rowntrees in York in 1977. It was hard to see all those chocolates and not eat one. We each got a box of Black Magic when we completed the tour. Kit Kats are hubby’s favourite chocolate bar. A great post.
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Great memory Darlene.. hugsx
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Thank you, Darlene, I am glad this interested you. Most people like chocolate. We only got a Quality Street on our tour but did get to taste cocoa in its pure form {horrible}. We bought a lot of York chocolates to take home. I also like Kit Kats best. They are not to rich and sweet.
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What a fabulous history on these famed chocolate makers Robbie. I’m not familiar with Tuke’s, but fascinating stories on both companies. Interesting to learn Nestle’s bought Rountree too. ❤
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I am looking forward to finding out more..♥
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So interesting. Robbie always does a great job of investigating research. ❤
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I am glad this interested you, Debby. I was most taken with Mary’s story, a very brave and resourceful women.
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To say the least! 🙂
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I was fascinated to learn about the history of chocolate in this country. Nowhere had I seen this before. As far as a chocolate river is concerned, I would defy my doctor and without doubt, love to swim in it. I found the real and the fanciful to be compelling stories.
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Fantastic Daniel.. and I should think a chocolate fountain for your next birthday would go down well.. xxx
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Make it a big one, Sally! 🙂
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Hi Danny, thanks for reading and commenting. I was so interested to discover that York was a chocolate making city. The tour we went on was fascinating and I am so pleased that people are finding it as interesting as I did. A chocolate river like the one in the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory delights my imagination too.
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A great idea, Sally. Chocolate fountains and fresh fruit are delightful.
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strawberries…yum. x
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I used to have one of those KItKat machines as a kid in the 1960s!
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Oh my goodness Stevie.. you had a privileged background..lol.. I used to buy one with my pocket money.. love them.. hugs
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I also had one of those miniature chocolate machines too – little Cadbury’s Dairy Milk bars.
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okay now you are just being unkind…lol..xx
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You were lucky. My mom hardly ever gave us girls any sweets.
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Wow, that is something, Stevie.
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You put an old penny in, turned the handle, and out would pop a miniature chocolate bar!
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Is it wrong that I drooled through most of this post – starting with the picture?
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No worries Teri, you were not the only one..just hope you remembered to switch off your camera!! xxx
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Haha, Teri, chocolate has that effect on people. I must say that I like Terry’s orange chocolates the best.
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What an interesting history. I remember reading about the chocolate “cakes” and that it was some time before sweet chocolate showed up for mass consumption. I’m familiar with Nestle, of course, but not the history of Tuke and Rountree. Thanks for the chocolate trivia, Robbie and Sally.
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Thanks Diana…Robbie has us all licking our lips in anticipation…xxx
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My pleasure, Diana. I learned a lot about chocolate from this visit, including how it was used in war situations. That is still coming.
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I so enjoyed the chocolate history!
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Great Jennie.. thank you..xx
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You’re welcome, Sally!
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I am glad you enjoyed this post, Jennie. Have a lovely weekend.
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You are welcome, Robbie. Happy weekend!
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Now i’m craving chocolate ..to say the least! A well articulated story that I can use maybe while teaching childrentenacity, perseverance, fame …and chocolate! Brings to mind the Malaysian story of how Bengawan Solo biscuit products became popular.
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Thanks Veena.. sounds like a post needs to be written about the biscuits.
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Nice to meet you, Veena. That Malaysian story sounds interesting. I must look it up.
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Great to see Robbie here! Robbie, I did not know where KitKat bars originated and I’m always up for a story about chocolate 🙂
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Thanks Barbara.. and me too…Enjoy your weekend..x
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Thank you – you too!
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KitKat is my favourite chocolate, Barbara. It is not to sweet and rich. The story of chocolate is so interesting, even going back further than this to the origins of cocoa in South America.
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Hello, Sally and Robbie! This is so interesting! Thank you, Robbie, for sharing this. 😀 xo
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Thanks Vashit.. I have enjoyed learning more about Chocolate.. will respect it a little more when eating in future.. xxx
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Ha, ha! I will too. 🙂
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