York: The Chocolate City

York is celebrating its heritage as the home of chocolate with the York Chocolate Festival, which takes place over Easter 2012.  In association with the festival, we've added ten new online films that relate to chocolate in York, many of which come from the extensive Rowntree Film Collection held by YFA.   

Most of the films are TV advertisements for Rowntree’s chocolate products, including Kit Kat, Black Magic and After Eights.  These early ads, some alluring and some funny, date from the beginning of TV advertisements in 1956 up to the launch of Yorkie in 1976. 

There is also a fascinating film from 1932 of women at work in the Rowntree factory on Haxby Road, making boxes and putting the finishing touches to chocolates, among other things.  They are also shown collectively singing My Girl's a Yorkshire Girl whilst busy at work on the factory floor.

Again from the 1930s, there is a rare glimpse of Seebohm Rowntree relaxing with family and friends.

Lastly, there is an historic film from 1937 of the royal visit by the new King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to Terry’s chocolate factory on Bishopthorpe Road, and Terry’s restaurant in St Helen’s Square.

View the films:

Next stop: York help yourself to some chocolates (1932)

Black Magic (1955 - 1968)

Kit Kat (1955 - 1959)

Tokens (1962 - 1963)

After Eight Adverts (1962)

Yorkie (1975 - 1977)

Miscellaneous Abernethy and Junglies (c.1969)

Seebohm Rowntree, Wife and Friends (1935 - 1936)

Rowntree Sports Day (1946)

Royal Visit to Terry's York (1937)