York’s story is one of people and progress. From the railways that connected communities to the chocolate makers who cared as much about workers as their sweets, this city has long mixed compassion with creativity.

Driven by his Quaker values, Joseph Rowntree (1836–1925) dedicated his life to tackling the root causes of social inequality – poverty, poor housing, and lack of education. His legacy lives on through the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) and Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT), both continuing his mission to create a fairer society.

York has always been a hub of invention – from world-leading railway engineering and early electrification to the birthplace of Terry’s and Rowntree’s, two giants of confectionery that sweetened lives across the globe. The city’s spirit of enterprise and social good remains at its heart today.