About this episode

This episode explores the rich history of chocolate, tracing its evolution from a bitter drink to a sweet treat.

It might feel like an everyday treat now, but a dip into the history of chocolate reveals a story of global trade, empire, aristocratic tastes and industrial revolution. This week, Amy is joined by food historian Sam Bilton and English Heritage historian Dr Andrew Hann to trace chocolate’s journey from a bitter, spiced drink of status and ceremony to the sweet comfort and ritual we know today. From a commemorative chocolate tin sent to troops in the Boer War through royal courts, chocolate houses and country house kitchens, this chat sweeps through history. We’ll explore what chocolate has meant to people over time: as a medicine, a mood lift and a status symbol. Don’t forget to follow this podcast and leave a review if you love the show. Join English Heritage: ⁠https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/⁠ Podcast listeners can get 20% off the first year of an annual membership. Use code POD20 at checkout.* Support our work: ⁠https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/⁠ The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a limited company, no. 07447221, registered in England and Wales. *Offer is available through the use of this code and valid for new memberships by…

People in this episode

Host: Amy

Guests: Sam Bilton, Dr Andrew Hann

Topics covered

• history of chocolate
• global trade
• empire
• industrial revolution
• food history

Keywords

• chocolate
• history
• global trade
• empire
• industrial revolution
• food historian
• status symbol

Sponsors

English Heritage

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: English Heritage, English Heritage Trust

Places: Boer War

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