York Historic Environment Record

Premises of Terry's of York, consisting of headquarters offices, factory, clocktower, Time office block and liquor factory, which were all built bewteen 1924-1930, by architects J G Davies & L E Wade.

The complex is a strong group in architectural terms, presenting a unified style which reflects the strength and importance of the corporate image of Terry's chocolate firm. The buildings also have a strong historic interest, representing the most complete surviving expression of the importance of the confectionary business in York, and confirming, on a national scale, York's high status in this business.


Terry’s of York has its origins in the eighteenth century as the Confectioners Bayldon and Berry and was originally located near Bootham Bar. Joseph Terry, became a partner with Blaydon and Berry in 1823. In 1824, the firm moved to St Helen’s Square, in the centre of York. By 1828, Joseph Terry was the sole owner and had started to develop the chocolate side of the business. The company Joseph Terry and Sons was formed in 1840.

Terry’s built a new factory at Clementhorpe in 1862, which utilized the transport links along the River Ouse. By 1924, continued expansion led to the need for new premises for Terry’s as expansion at Clementhorpe was prevented by the creation of Rowntree’s Park. A greenfield site was chosen at Bishopthorpe Road and between 1924 and 1930, two factory buildings, Clock Tower, Water Tower, Boiler House, Liquor Factory, Time Office Block and Head Offices were erected. These impressive red brick and Empire Stone buildings were designed by architects J G Davies and L E Wade. Production on the new site commenced in 1926 and provided a functional and ‘state of the art’ environment for the employees.

During the Second World War, the site was for the production of Jablo aeroplane propellers for Spitfires. The Nut and Fruit Store was built as an Air Raid Shelter in 1939 but was used on a daily basis through the war for the production of Chivers Jam.

Further expansion of the Site in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s continued with the building of the Central Services Blocks, Liquor Mill, Distribution warehouse and extension to the Single Storey Factory. The original single storey factory and the multi-storey factory were connected in this period. The period between 1963 and 1993 saw Terry’s change hands as part of several large conglomerates including Forte, Colgate Palmolive, United Biscuits and finally Kraft General Foods who created the new name of Terry’s Suchard. In March 2004, Kraft announced the closure of the Terry’s site and in 2005 transferred the production overseas. The site was closed on 30th September 2005 and was acquired by Grantside Developments for redevelopment. SYO1246 MAP

The Five main buildings of the Terry’s factory were listed as Grade II buildings of architectural and historic importance by the Department of Culture Media and Sport in March 2005

2005, Kraft Foods UK Limited Building Survey Report Terry’s Site, York (Unpublished document). SYO1528.

MAP, 2006, Terry's Factory Bishopthorpe Road (Unpublished document). SYO1246.