Another rather attractive window at night - and more easily seen after dark when the queue has gone.
The man who founded Bettys, in Harrogate, was a Swiss national called Fritz Bützer. He had a difficult and traumatic upbringing. In 1907 he decided to seek his fortune in England, working first in Bradford and later moving to Harrogate by which time he’d changed his name to Frederick Belmont and styled himself as a ‘Chocolate Specialist’. It was in Harrogate that Frederick’s luck started to change. Looking for lodgings, he fell in love and later married his landlady’s daughter, Claire Appleton. In July 1919, with the financial support of Claire’s family, the first Bettys opened for business.
It was not long before Bettys became well known in Yorkshire for its excellent service, elegant surroundings and delicate continental cakes, and shops were opened in other places - the York shop was opened in 1937.
But who was Betty? Well, even after over 100 years there are several rival theories. Was it Betty Rose, who was grandaughter of a major financial backer in the early days? Or was it Betty Lupton (Queen of the Wells) who served Spa water visitors to Harrogate in the 19th century? Or could it have been Betty the Musical, where Betty, a kitchen maid, wins the heart of a young Duke?
A lovely window capture. I once received some Betty's chocolates from a friend who lives in Lincoln. Do you think they were from the same "Betty" company? fav
What a very interesting story about this shop! There are some lovely bakeries there asking to be eaten. The Swiss are very good and this kind of bakes.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
It has been interesting to discover a little of the history of the businesses that I have been sharing a glimpse of. Bettys is obviously known worldwide, and I wonder if that began in the Second World War when it became a very popular place for military personnel to meet. At that time servicemen from many countries around the world cound be found in the York district, particularly on the many air bases. There was a mirror on which military personnel would inscribe their names with a diamond pen. By the end of the war it had over 600 signatures.
The only Bettys shops at the moment are in Yorkshire, though it is possible there were branches in places like Lincoln in the past. It is also possible your friend bought you Bettys chocolates on a visit to York, or perhaps ordered from them online, so I think it quite possible it was the same Bettys.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
It has been interesting to discover a little of the history of the businesses that I have been sharing a glimpse of. Bettys is obviously known worldwide, and I wonder if that began in the Second World War when it became a very popular place for military personnel to meet. At that time servicemen from many countries around the world cound be found in the York district, particularly on the many air bases. There was a mirror on which military personnel would inscribe their names with a diamond pen. By the end of the war it had over 600 signatures.
Ian
The only Bettys shops at the moment are in Yorkshire, though it is possible there were branches in places like Lincoln in the past. It is also possible your friend bought you Bettys chocolates on a visit to York, or perhaps ordered from them online, so I think it quite possible it was the same Bettys.
Ian
Thank you Kathy. If you visit, be prepared to queue, it is always busy!
Ian