The Rowntree Society

The Rowntree Society We are an educational charity dedicated to the histories of the Rowntree family, company & Trusts and their relevance to our world today.

Several generations of the Quaker Rowntree family have helped shape modern York as a city of confectionery manufacture as well as a city with a long history of involvement in social justice. Rowntree of York is one of the great names in confectionery history and many of the Rowntree brands (from Fruit Pastilles to KitKat, Black Magic, Smarties and Polos) are much-loved household names. The Rowntre

e company provided a source of income for thousands of families right around the world. It also introduced professional standards in the business environment, long before such things were commonplace as they are today. Joseph Rowntree was an industrialist who cared passionately about his workforce. But he also had a unique approach to poverty, at a time when there was little understanding of what poverty even meant. Most importantly, he drew attention to the need to tackle the root causes of poverty, and not just its immediate symptoms. Today we live in a time when questions have re-emerged about philanthropy and corporate social responsibility, as well as questions about how we can achieve a fair and compassionate society. What can we learn from the life and work of the Rowntree family? And how are their ideals still relevant to us today?
- See more at: http://www.rowntreesociety.org.uk/rowntree-history-2/ .r7tGiHHj.dpuf

How did the Rowntrees support refugees across the twentieth century?Our event on 20th June, proudly hosted by The Mount ...
03/06/2026

How did the Rowntrees support refugees across the twentieth century?

Our event on 20th June, proudly hosted by The Mount School York, will cover:

Belgian refugees in the First World War

Jean and Tessa Rowntree’s work in Prague before the N**i occupation

The arrival of Ugandan Asian families in York during the 1970s

Barbara Windle’s refugee advocacy at The Mount School

Doors open: 1:30pm
Event starts: 2pm

Although tickets are free, spaces are limited and booking is essential via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/refugees-rowntrees-tickets-1988830906780

You are invited to The Rowntree Society's Refugees & Rowntrees Event, proudly hosted by The Mount School.As part of Refu...
02/06/2026

You are invited to The Rowntree Society's Refugees & Rowntrees Event, proudly hosted by The Mount School.

As part of Refugee Week, join us to explore how the Rowntree family (including Mount School Old Scholars), company, and Trusts supported refugees across the twentieth century.

Attendees will discover the stories of Belgian refugees during the First World War, former Mount pupils Jean and Tessa Rowntree’s humanitarian work in Prague ahead of the N**i invasion, the resettlement of Ugandan Asian refugees in York during the 1970s, and Quaker Educationalist Barbara Windle speaking on refugee action during her tenure as Head of The Mount School towards the end of the twentieth century.

Doors open at 13:30, the talk starts at 14:00.

Although tickets are free, spaces are limited and booking is essential via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/refugees-rowntrees-tickets-1988830906780

Meet Beth 👋Our Digital Media and Communications Officer, Beth Cameron, brings over 8 years of experience in digital mark...
27/05/2026

Meet Beth 👋

Our Digital Media and Communications Officer, Beth Cameron, brings over 8 years of experience in digital marketing and design to The Rowntree Society team.

With a Master’s degree in Graphic Design specialising in mental health awareness, Beth is passionate about making a difference and using creativity to make information more accessible and engaging.

Some of you may recognise Beth from or perhaps as the proud fur-mum to our fluffy member of the team... Winnie 🐾

Keep an eye on our social media, website, and newsletters to spot Beth’s creations and the stories she helps bring to life!

22/05/2026

In this snippet, we explore how Joseph Rowntree’s ideas extended beyond chocolate production and into a wider vision of employee welfare and social responsibility.

From education opportunities and sports facilities to healthcare provision and welfare initiatives, Rowntree & Co developed approaches that reflected changing ideas around work and wellbeing during the period.

You can watch the full lecture on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/omZBV52Ka9k?si=oXJ-nZK2bRGkjTUv 🍫📚

Meet Nick 👋Our Executive Director, Nick Smith, brings together a passion for history, community, and creating positive c...
21/05/2026

Meet Nick 👋

Our Executive Director, Nick Smith, brings together a passion for history, community, and creating positive change.

Nick began his academic journey with a BSc in Archaeology from Bournemouth University before going on to complete an MA with Distinction in Medieval Archaeology. While his studies focused on the medieval world, he has always had a strong interest in modern history and the ways the past connects with the challenges and opportunities we face today.

Alongside his academic background, Nick has built extensive experience across the non-profit and social care sectors, reflecting a long standing commitment to community and social welfare. His experience and values align closely with The Rowntree Society’s mission of exploring and sharing histories that continue to matter today.

Many of you may also recognise Nick from his time managing Oxfam Books on Petergate 📚

Have you met Nick through The Rowntree Society, Oxfam Books, or one of our events? Let us know in the comments!

20/05/2026

Check out this clip from our lecture which formed part of the Joseph Rowntree Centenary and our Rowntree Political Connections & Influences project, where we explored the story of Rowntree’s relationship with Trade Unions during the 1920s

You can watch the full lecture on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/omZBV52Ka9k?si=x2-TE63xAF9kiiES⁠

15/05/2026

Have you ever heard of The Rowntree Society? 📚🔍

13/05/2026

Check out this clip from our lecture which formed part of the Joseph Rowntree Centenary and our Rowntree Political Connections & Influences project, where we explored the story of Rowntree’s relationship with Trade Unions during the 1920s.

This public lecture took place on 7th June 2025 at Clements Hall in York as part of the York Festival of Ideas.

In this snippet, our Executive Director, Nick Smith, is talking about Irene Pickup, who was a member of the National Union of General and Municipal Workers and became a leading trade union leader, playing a significant role in representing women workers.

You can watch the full lecture on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/omZBV52Ka9k?si=x2-TE63xAF9kiiES

12/05/2026

What did trade unions actually look like inside Rowntree’s during the 1920s?

Check out this snippet from our lecture which formed part of the Joseph Rowntree Centenary and our Rowntree Political Connections & Influences project, where we explored the story of Rowntree’s relationship with Trade Unions during the 1920s.

This public lecture took place on 7th June 2025 at Clements Hall in York as part of the York Festival of Ideas.

In this clip, Dr Nicola Sleapwood is speaking, who is a historian with a PhD in nineteenth and twentieth century Quaker business history. She presented some of her research placing Rowntree’s relationship with the trade unions into the wider context of other Quaker businesses, and the political changes surrounding the decline of Liberalism and rise of Socialism.

You can watch the full lecture on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/omZBV52Ka9k?si=x2-TE63xAF9kiiES

Address

York
YO231BW

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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