Address: 3 St Helen’s Square, York, YO1 8QN (now Impossible)
Description
Two sets of metal letters spelling “Terry” are affixed to a building, one set under each of the front windows.
Additionally, “Terry” is carved into stone above the second-storey windows in bold, elegant block capital lettering.
History
William Bayldon founded the business in 1767, and after partnering with Robert Berry, they moved the shop and factory to St Helen’s Square in 1818.
William retired in 1821. When Robert Berry passed away in 1825, Joseph Terry and George Berry formed a new partnership, renaming the business Terry & Berry.
1880 – Terry’s is the building on the left Source: Explore York Archive Asset ID: 1002084
When George left in 1828, Joseph took full control and renamed the business Joseph Terry & Co.
They operated a small factory behind the front shop in St Helen’s Square, where they made cakes, comfits, sugar sweets, marmalade, candied peel, mushroom ketchup, and medicated lozenges.
By 1840, thanks to the expanding railway network, Joseph Terry was distributing products to 75 towns across the North of England, the Midlands, and as far south as Luton and London.
The product line included jujubes and gum balls.
1906 – Advert for Terry’s café
Joseph Terry died in 1850. His second son, also named Joseph, took over in 1854 with his two brothers, renaming the business Joseph Terry & Sons.
In 1922, the building was demolished and rebuilt, incorporating a ballroom on the top floor.
1961 Source: York Press
Terry’s closed for good in 1981, and the grand building in St Helen’s Square, opposite Betty’s tea rooms, has seen various occupants since then, including Carluccio’s and now, the Impossible restaurant.
1990 – Above the railings on the building on the left is the stone carved Terry sign Source: Explore York Archive Asset ID: 1000385
Got thoughts or a story to share about this iconic sign? We’re all ears—drop your comments below and join the conversation!
Old York joke; a schoolteacher was explaining to her class that Constantine was proclaimed Emperor of Rome in or near St Helen’s Square and asked if anyone knew the names of his parents?
“Terry and Betty” said one bright spark.
(Correct answer Constantius and Helen(a), the church in the square is dedicated to her)