The story of Britain's oldest sweet, the Pontefract Cake (2019)

2 days ago

Liquorice cakes, originally created as a medicine, have evolved into a beloved sweet with centuries-old roots in Yorkshire.
The Oldest Sweet Shop in England, located in Pateley Bridge, continues a tradition dating back nearly two centuries, with Pontefract Cakes being a popular item.
Liquorice was introduced to Yorkshire around the 11th century by monks or Crusaders, initially for medicinal purposes.
George Dunhill, an apothecary in Pontefract, invented the chewable Pontefract Cake in 1760 by adding sugar to medicinal liquorice.
Pontefract Castle, historically significant for royal events, was later used to store liquorice roots due to Yorkshire's suitable climate and soil conditions.
By the 19th century, Yorkshire had a booming sweet industry, with around 20 companies producing stamped Pontefract Cakes featuring the castle design.
Globalization led to acquisitions by major confectionery brands, but the Pontefract Cake's embossed castle stamp remains iconic.
Today, liquorice tourism in the area includes festivals, museums, and farms, with efforts to revive local liquorice farming for products like ice cream and gin.
Farmers like Heather and Robert Copley are working to grow liquorice root again in the UK, aiming for a product of designated origin to preserve heritage.
The story highlights liquorice as a symbol of Yorkshire's identity, with ongoing efforts to maintain its cultural and historical significance.

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