Walking to Work

The town of Reading has been turned down for city status four times and remains stuck with the unwanted distinction of being Britain’s largest town by population. For many years it was home to the largest biscuit factory in the world, Huntley & Palmer, and a source of enduring fascination to the producers of picture postcards.  Something about the spectacle of working men and women flooding the streets on their way to and from the factory was held to have significant customer appeal.  Although for many holidaymakers it was a painful reminder of the world from which they had been temporarily released.  The men make their way home with an air of grim determination, while the women appear more relaxed, though a few show signs of high spirits.  For the historian they offer evidence of changing fashions and a measure of workforce morale.  Since their introduction into the marketplace, biscuits have always been an optional purchase and Huntley & Palmer played a major part in developing ever more elaborate recipes in beautifully designed and often luxurious packaging to expand their appeal.  The business followed a traditional path - decades of expansion under private ownership were followed by absorption by multinational competitors and a loss of identity in a vast portfolio of brands.  Manufacturing in Reading ended in 1976 after which the brand had no links with the town.  After further changes in control the brand was sold off in 2006 to new owners who have operated on a much smaller scale with a modest range of sweet and savoury products.  The factory buildings have been gradually replaced with offices and apartments and the last surviving portion is being converted into living spaces.  For an earlier post from 2010 on Huntley & Palmer, please follow this link.