The weather has been so up and down of late that when last Thursday the sun shone and the sky was blue, Emma and I took ourselves out with Leo in tow to the small town of Tiptree, a half hour's drive away, which gives it name to the products exported around the world, by the famous Wilkin & Sons Ltd, purveyors of jam, marmalade and lemon curd, to name but a few of their wonderful products.
We found the factory on the outskirts of town and entered the grounds of the Visitor Centre through huge black wrought iron gates which led us to the Tiptree Tea Rooms and Jam Museum next door to the famous factory.
Although the Wilkin family had farmed the Essex lands for centuries it was during the mid Victorian times that they began growing fruit. In 1885 Arthur Wilkin (above with his wife) joined forces with two friends and started the Britannia Fruit Preserving Company. In 1905 the company was renamed Wilkin & Sons due to the fact that there were many companies trading under the name Britannia.
The museum had many artefacts from days gone by and gave the visitor an insight into the history of jam-making. Sorry but some of these photos are a bit blurred as only had my phone with me.
The family has held a Royal warrant continuously since 1911, first awarded by King George V. HRH The Queen awarded a Royal warrant of appointment in 1954 shortly after her Coronation.
Afternoon tea was perfect - a pot of Earl Grey, home made scones and of course a choice of preserve. Leo was able to pick himself a huge cupcake and bottle of fizzy drink which helped stave off the boredom that he was now showing signs of!!
The shop was very, very tempting but I managed to avoid most things except this - when in Rome and all that!
Have a great weekend and see you soon
xx
Hi Patricia, what a lovely tour . . . anyone that has been making jams and preserves that long must have it down to perfection. You got my curiosity up with the photo about the history of marmalade . . . my all time favorite :) It is so nice that you have so many interesting places that are not far from your home. That must make it very nice when you have visitors and you want to show them the sights :) I do hope that your winter is going well.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year.
Your blogging sister, Connie :)
I've never visited the museum or the tea rooms, I may just have to take Paul out for a cuppa, thanks for sharing x
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like such a lovely place to visit. Their products look totally delicious and well-made. I especially love the look of the raspberry preserves.
ReplyDeleteThat looks a great place to visit. I used to have this jam occasionally when I was a child!
ReplyDeleteSarah x
What a wonderful place to visit. I love history and making jam so I would have had a great day if I had visited. I need a pot of marmalade so now I know the brand to buy. It will soon be time to make some marmalade of my own but in the meantime....
ReplyDeleteTiptree Little Scarlet Strawberry Jam is just the best if you are in the market for a treat! Glad you had a nice day out! xx
ReplyDeleteWe are lucky to have places like this local enough to visit. I've only ever been once but must pay it another visit and go to the 'Cheap Shop' while I'm there. They have some great craft materials. Have you been Patricia?
ReplyDeleteReally interested to see your shot of the Railway which goes to Tollesbury, one of my friends of over 40 years lives in Tollesbury, and one of there garden fence posts is an original from the station - even though their house was built in the early 70s, and their son lives also right next to where the railway was in a small close just off Station Road. My mum and sister go to "Tiptree Jams" quite often.
ReplyDeleteJoy x x
It looks a really interesting museum and a good place for a day out in winter.
ReplyDeleteWell I never! Patricia, I had no idea Tiptree was a place! I have bought and enjoyed many of the items you show here. What an interesting visit you've had - thank you so much for this interesting post. Lxx
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like it was a great outing! I love raspberry jam, but it would have been the lemon curd that followed me home had I been there. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat is a place that I would want to visit for sure. That honey and raspberry... looks gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful weekend,
Tammy x
Oh my goodness I have just got back from Sainsbury's because I read this post and just had to have my favourite jar of jam. Looks like a great place to visit and I have added to my must go to list.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to thank you for stopping by my blog and taking the time to share your story, you are so right our stories are so similar. I totally agree that when he left my mum I too felt that he was leaving me and I'm so pleased your dad keep in contact. thank you so much for sharing I have gained so much comfort from it and you will never know how grateful I am to you. Bearing my soul on my blog has been very liberating
Congratulations on your blog anniversary, I have now added myself to your followers list as I feel a connection .Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with lots of laughter.
Mmmmm that cake was lovely Nan.
ReplyDeleteLeoXX
The Tiptree tea rooms and Jam Museum sound like a wonderful visit on a winter's afternoon. I think I'd have been tempted by the shop too:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place to visit. You were very strong at the shop: I would have had one of every chutney, and one or two of the preservative-free jams as well! I'm sorry we didn't find Tiptree when DD lived in Essex! Happy Sunday Patricia xxx
ReplyDeleteOh How very restrained you were- I certainly wouldn't be! What a nice place to visit:)
ReplyDeleteIt's a nice place to visit and the tearoom is lovely but a bit pricey if my memory serves me correct. We had a cream tea there, delicious :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a wonderful day. You know they even sell the jams overhere in Holland..
ReplyDeleteHugs
Erna x
A jam museum - how cool is that ! Love lemon honey the most and I eat chutney every single day.
ReplyDeleteYou trip was so nice, Patricia. I love this place - many jars with jams and all they are as home made, preservative-free. I'd like to buy some (3-6) jars!
ReplyDeleteIt would have been lemon curd for me too. :-) What an enjoyable and interesting place to visit.
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