Chocolate magnate’s home to help tell story of city’s sweet history

Goddards, built in the Arts andCrafts style, was the home of the Terry family from 1927-1980 and it sits on Tadcaster Road, close to the Terry’s of York factory.

Before it opens this summer, the house will be made to look as it did in the 1930s – the heyday of the Terry’s chocolate business.

The National Trust now owns the property and will organise the six-room showcase of Terry family history.

Holly Brett, general manager for the National Trust’s York properties, said: “As the house was completed in 1927, the 1930s represents a time when the Terry’s were settled in their new home and the factory was going through a successful era – not least, the introduction of the chocolate orange in 1931, which helped to create a real heyday period.

“We want Goddards to be a continual work in progress, but it won’t be a like for like display of how the Terry’s used to live. Instead we’ll be using the rooms to tell different layers of the Terry story – the family, their factory and the people that worked there, as well as the old Terry’s chocolate shop and tearoom that was located in St. Helen’s Square. ”

All the rooms at Goddards are currently empty but will be used to show photos and information on the family which the Trust has gathered.

The organisation is still doing research into the Terrys and is looking for anyone who has memories of the family or the factory, particularly during the 1930s.

They are especially interested in hearing from people living in York who had family members who worked at the factory.

Alongside the rooms to be opened, there will be a tearoom serving snacks with a strong emphasis on chocolate.

Ms Brett added: “We’re also incredibly grateful to the support of the Terry family with our plans, who have helped with our research, shared stories and photos as well as their memories of Goddards.”