George Bassett

George Bassett's memorial in Sheffield General Cemetery (portrait)

George Bassett (1771–1848) was a prominent figure in the early 19th century, best known for founding George Bassett & Co., a confectionery company that became famous for its creation of Liquorice Allsorts. His contributions to the confectionery industry and his impact on the economic landscape of Sheffield, England, where his company was based, have been significant.

Early Life

George Bassett was born in 1771 in the town of Sheffield, located in South Yorkshire, England. Details about his early life, including his family background and education, are sparse. However, it is known that he entered the confectionery business at a young age, showing an early interest in the trade that would define his career.

Career

In 1842, George Bassett founded George Bassett & Co., a company that initially focused on the production of a variety of sweets, including liquorice. The company's breakthrough came with the accidental invention of Liquorice Allsorts, which quickly became a popular treat across Britain. The story goes that a sales representative, while meeting with a client, accidentally knocked over a tray of assorted liquorice sweets, mixing them together. The client was intrigued by the combination, leading to the creation of Liquorice Allsorts.

Under Bassett's leadership, the company expanded rapidly, benefiting from the industrial revolution and the growing accessibility of sugar and other raw materials. George Bassett & Co. became a staple of the Sheffield economy, providing employment and contributing to the city's industrial growth.

Legacy

George Bassett's legacy is most visible in the continued success of George Bassett & Co., which has become a part of the larger confectionery group, now known as Cadbury plc, a subsidiary of Mondelez International. The brand Bassett's is still used for the Liquorice Allsorts product and other sweets, maintaining its connection to its founder.

Moreover, Bassett's impact extends beyond the confectionery industry. He is remembered as a pioneering entrepreneur in Sheffield, contributing to the city's reputation as a center for industry and innovation during the 19th century. His work in the confectionery field has also been recognized as part of the broader history of British cuisine and industrialization.

Death and Memorials

George Bassett died in 1848. While there are no significant memorials dedicated to him, his legacy is preserved through the continued operation and success of the company he founded. The story of George Bassett and the accidental invention of Liquorice Allsorts has become a part of British cultural history, celebrated in the confectionery industry and beyond.