George Cadbury

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George Cadbury1917

George Cadbury (19 September 1839 – 24 October 1922) was an English businessman and philanthropist. He was a member of the prominent Cadbury family, known for their contributions to the chocolate industry and their social reform efforts.

Early Life

George Cadbury was born in Birmingham, England, into a Quaker family. He was the third son of John Cadbury, who founded the Cadbury business in 1824. George was educated at the local Quaker school and later joined the family business.

Cadbury Business

In 1861, George and his brother Richard Cadbury took over the family business, which was struggling at the time. They moved the factory to a new site in Bournville, a rural area outside Birmingham, in 1879. This move allowed them to expand the business and improve working conditions for their employees.

Bournville Village

George Cadbury is perhaps best known for his development of the Bournville village. He envisioned a model village that would provide his workers with decent housing and a healthy environment. The village included well-designed homes, schools, and recreational facilities. This initiative was part of his broader commitment to social reform and improving the lives of working-class people.

Philanthropy

George Cadbury was a dedicated philanthropist. He donated large sums of money to various causes, including education, healthcare, and social welfare. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Bournville Village Trust, which continues to manage the village and promote social housing.

Political and Social Views

As a Quaker, George Cadbury held strong beliefs in social justice and equality. He was an advocate for temperance and supported various social reform movements. He also played a role in the establishment of the Daily News, a newspaper that promoted liberal and progressive causes.

Legacy

George Cadbury's contributions to business and society have left a lasting legacy. The Bournville village remains a model for social housing, and the Cadbury brand continues to be a major player in the chocolate industry. His philanthropic efforts have had a lasting impact on education and social welfare in the UK.

See Also

• Cadbury family
• John Cadbury
• Richard Cadbury
• Bournville
• Quakerism
• Daily News (UK)