Dive in to Rowntree histories...

You’ve probably heard of KitKat, Fruit Pastilles and Smarties. You might know that they were made by Rowntree’s here in York.

But how much do you know about the family behind the name?

The Rowntrees were a Quaker family whose beliefs shaped the way they did business and the causes they cared about. Their story takes in workers’ welfare, poverty, housing and social reform, as well as the trusts established by Joseph Rowntree in 1904.

There’s much more to discover beyond the chocolate…

Explore our website to find out about the people, places and stories that make up Rowntree history.

Our Projects

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Refugees & Rowntrees

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

Rowntree Family Histories

Joseph Rowntree Centenary

As part of the Joseph Rowntree Centenary, The Rowntree Society undertook a research project to find out what happened at Joseph’s funeral.

Political Connections

Rowntree Political Connections & Influences

In 2025 we are starting a project about Rowntree Political Connections and Influences. This built on our ‘New Rowntree Histories‘ project from 2022.

Colonial Histories & Legacies

From Kit Kats to Colonialism: A Rowntree Research Journey

In February 2020, we began a new research project exploring the Rowntree company’s historic global supply chains. This project is part of our commitment to expanding the audiences for our work nationally and internationally.

Resources

There’s always more to discover about the Rowntree story.

Delve a little deeper into Rowntree history through our A–Z and timeline, find out more about researching the Rowntrees, explore our publications or discover their history for yourself on one of our walks around York.

More Resources

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Latest from the Rowntree Society

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Refugees & Rowntrees

Irene Pickup receiving her award at the TUC Woman’s Conference 1926

“Come, Let Us Reason Together”: Trade Unions at Rowntree & Co. in the 1920s Part 4: Irene Pickup

Hawksby presenting a casket of chocolates

“Come, Let Us Reason Together”: Trade Unions at Rowntree & Co. in the 1920s Part 3: Fred Hawksby

Transport workers at the Cocoa Works unloading fruit in 1920

“Come, Let Us Reason Together”: Trade Unions at Rowntree & Co. in the 1920s Part 2: The 1926 General Strike

About Us

Welcome to The Rowntree Society! Our purpose is to build and share knowledge about the histories of the Rowntree family, company and Trusts and their continuing relevance to the local, national and global challenges facing the world today.

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