The Rowntree birthplace in York – rediscovered

Up the stairs and back in time...

by Bridget Morris, executive secretary of the Rowntree Society 13th January 2011

Deborah Cadbury’s recent book, Chocolate Wars, mentions the shop owned by Joseph Rowntree Senior, ‘Grocer and Tea Dealer’. It became a convergence point for the junior members of three confectionery dynasties – Frys of Bristol, Cadburys of Birmingham and Rowntrees of York. The Rowntree home in 28 Pavement, in the heart of the city, was where George Cadbury served an apprenticeship, and other eminent Quakers, including John Bright, met to talk over the politics and business of the day.