Celebrating over 250 years of the Terry family business

From chemist to chocolatiers - discover the family side of the Terry story and the crucial part Terry's of York played in the city's chocolate heritage.

The early years

The business was started in 1767 as a small shop in York’s city centre. The owners at that time were William Bayldon and Robert Berry and were succeeded by Joseph Terry in the 1820s.

Joseph Terry - the chemist

Joseph served as an apprentice apothecary in the city centre and set up his own chemist shop. In 1823 he married Harriet Atkinson, a relative of Robert Berry and joined the Berry family business.

Joseph Terry (the younger) - the confectioner

By 1867, the Terry business price list had 400 items but only 13 were chocolate, the rest were boiled sweets and confectionary. The business was based at Clementhorpe by the river.

Thomas Terry - the businessman

Joseph's son by his first marriage took the business international. He died in a road traffic accident leaving Noel Terry without a father figure.

Noel and Sir Francis Terry - the chocolatiers

Noel and Francis saw the transition of the business to its Bishopthorpe Road site and led the business through its heyday in the 1920s and 30s. The focus was very much on chocolate with the creation of the iconic Terry's Chocolate Orange and All Gold. 

Life at Goddards and the Terry family

When you visit, wander the house and garden and get an understanding of life in Noel Terry's family home through memories of what it was like to grow up across the racecourse from the Terry factory.

At the end of the corridor on the first floor the final three rooms focus on the factory, the workers and the legacy that it has left for the city of York. You can find out more about the history of the Terry family business in the comfort of their beautiful arts and crafts home.