Terry’s home unlocked for the first time

Goddards, the home of Noel Terry and his family from 1927 to 1980 on Tadcaster Road near the Terry’s of York chocolate factory, has been the base for the National Trust’s Yorkshire regional office for the past 30 years.

The house’s accompanying gardens have been open to visitors since 2006, but seven rooms of the house have now been unlocked for the first time, telling the story of Noel Terry, his family, and life at the famous chocolate factory.

With much of the original furniture from when the Terry’s lived at Goddards now on permanent display at York’s Fairfax House, the National Trust has instead created 1930s-style rooms that match a period of prosperity for the Terry family and factory for the new exhibition.

Holly Brett, general manager for Goddards, said: “We selected the 1930s period as it was a time when the family were settled in their new home and the factory was going through a successful era – not least, there was the introduction of the chocolate orange at the start of the decade, as well as a visit by the royal family to the factory in 1937.

“The house and gardens came to the National Trust in 1984, just after all of the Terry furniture had been donated to Fairfax House.

“We’ve very excited to be opening another chapter in York’s chocolate history.

“The people of York have such a strong connection to the Terrys and their factory, with many people having family or knowing someone that worked there.”

A tearooms has also opened on the site, serving cakes made with recipes that were once used in the Terry’s own tearoom and chocolate shop that was based in St Helen’s Square.

Goddards will be open to visitors from Wednesdays to Sundays from 11am to 5pm.