Born in Edgbaston in 1839, George Cadbury was the son of tea and coffee dealer
John Cadbury. The family were members of the Society of Friends, and George was
educated at the local Quaker School.
George’s parents were both in poor health, and in 1855 his mother died. This took
a heavy toll on his father’s health, and George, at the age of 22, along with
his elder brother Richard, took over the family business.
After running the company for five years, the brothers became the first company
in Britain to sell cocoa in powdered form, allowing customers to add water or
milk to create a popular and affordable drink.
Despite running a large company, George Cadbury dedicated much of his time to
helping those less privileged than himself. He taught classes at the Birmingham
Adult School and believed strongly in giving something back to the community
through genuine acts of helpfulness.
By 1879 the factory had outgrown its premises, and a new site was chosen four
miles outside Birmingham. The factory was named after the small stream that ran
through the site, “Bournville,” and it soon became known as “the factory in a
garden.”
Cadbury firmly believed that if you looked after your employees, they would look
after your business. He built houses for his workers, grouping them around
cul-de-sacs and gardens to create a strong sense of community. Later, he also
provided a hospital, reading rooms, and wash houses.
This village became known as Bournville and is still run today by the Bournville
Village Trust. Gaining a reputation as a progressive employer, the Cadbury
brothers introduced half-days on Saturdays, bank holiday closures, sporting and
recreational facilities, a works canteen, and medical and dental treatment—a far
cry from the sweatshop conditions common at the time.
These policies ensured a motivated and highly productive workforce, who were
given something in return for their loyalty. George Cadbury believed that if
each man had his own home, a garden to cultivate, and peaceful surroundings,
there was a greater opportunity for a long, healthy, and happy life for both him
and his family.
In 1897 Cadbury produced its first chocolate bar, using fresh milk to create a
lighter-coloured and more appealing chocolate. It was called Cadbury’s Dairy
Milk and soon became Britain’s best-selling chocolate bar.
George Cadbury invested much of his personal wealth into businesses, stating:
“Nearly all my money is invested in businesses in which I believe I can truly
say the first thought is of the welfare of the work people employed.”
A highly respected and successful businessman, George Cadbury wielded
considerable influence locally. He was a strong supporter of William Gladstone
and represented the Liberal Party on both Birmingham Town Council and Worcester
County Council.
In 1901 he purchased the Daily News, using it to campaign for old age
pensions and against sweated labour. He also paid £60,000 into a pension fund for
his own workers to ensure they were supported in retirement.
Cadbury lived at Northfield Manor, where he commissioned a large building in the
grounds capable of holding 700 people. Each summer he provided entertainment and
food there for deprived children from across Birmingham.
Disillusioned with the government’s conduct during the First World War, he
withdrew his support and instead backed the anti-war Independent Labour Party.
He later joined figures including E. D. Morel, Ramsay MacDonald, Arthur
Ponsonby, and Arthur Rowntree to form the Union of Democratic Control, which
became Britain’s leading anti-war organisation.
George Cadbury died at his home, Northfield Manor, on 24 October 1922.
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