04 March 2024 , 13:15
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A fascinating story lies behind the origins of the name Bournville, where the Cadbury brothers treated their staff to plenty of perks.
It's been 200 years to the day since founder John Cadbury opened a small shop in Bull Street, Birmingham. Along with other groceries, he sold cocoa and drinking chocolate, which he ground himself using a pestle and mortar.
Things have moved on somewhat these days and Cadbury now sells its delicious products across the world from the site where all the magic takes place - Bournville. Despite being the heart of the whole operation, Cadbury fans are only just realising where its name came from.
Staff at Cadbury were treated very well (Cadbury's)When brothers Richard and George Cadbury took over their father's expanding business, they needed a new place to make their chocolate. In 1879, they opted for the Bournbrook estate because it adjoined a railway and the Worcester Canal, linking it with the Bristol dock where cocoa beans arrived, allowing chocolate to be easily transported.
The name Bournville was chosen for headquarters because of the Bourn stream that ran through the grounds and the 'ville' was picked because of its French meaning of town. It also echoed the elegance of French chocolate, which was very reputable at the time.
'I don't want children staying up late at weekends - I really need adult time'
As well as creating their hugely popular chocolate, the brothers became famous for how well they treated their staff. They were pioneers in employee welfare and industrial relations, which employers in other businesses would eventually adopt. Both men and women were given recreational facilities, there was a medical and dental department, education schemes and small rewards were given for punctuality - a bar of chocolate perhaps?
The Bourneville cricket pavillion (PA)We also have Cadbury to thank for getting a day off on a Bank Holiday. In 1871 the business introduced the tradition so staff could get an extra well-earned break, thankfully it spread to the masses. Employees there enjoyed a weekly half day holiday too so they worked a five and a half day week.
Other interesting facts Cadbury has released to celebrate its 200th birthday include the original plan for the Cadbury Dairy Milk bar, which was launched in 1905. It was going to be called Highland Milk, or Dairy Maid, but a customer's daughter thought of Dairy Milk and it stuck. The bars were originally delivered in blocks to shops where they were broken up and sold in penny jars.
The purple colour of the wrapping which we associate with the brand was first introduced in 1914 as a tribute to Queen Victoria, who was a big fan of the colour. Interestingly, the inside of a cocoa pod bean is also purple when it's dried.
Are you a fan of Cadbury chocolate? Let us know in the comments below.