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When is a biscuit tin not a biscuit tin?

The sturdy Huntley & Palmers biscuit tins had many different uses around the world beyond being mere biscuit tins. They were repurposed as book containers, coffins, weapons and musical instruments.

Imports and exports

Due to Huntley & Palmers tremendous expansion in the Victorian era, and Britain's imperial control of a significant share of the world's landmass, exports became a defining feature of Huntley & Palmers. But when countries introduced import tariffs, Huntley & Palmers saw sales plummet.

The founding fathers

A history of the founders of Huntley and Palmers: Joseph Huntley, Thomas Huntley and George Palmer.

The early years

Histories of some of the key people involved in the early years of Huntley & Palmers.

Jobs in the factory

There was a wide variety of jobs in the Huntley & Palmers business, from the bakers, to the packers, to office clerks and factory guides. Huntley & Palmers even had their own fire bridgade!

Pay and conditions

A detailed account of the treatment of workers in the nineteenth century, specifically about their pay and their working conditions.

Rules and regulations

There were strict rules and regulations for the workers at Huntley & Palmers in Reading. This section details penalties and punishments, and allowances for sickness or ill health.

Perks of the job

Working at the Huntley & Palmers factory was not all rules and regulations and the employees did receive some perks. This page details the variety of job benefits for Huntley & Palmers workers.

The demise of the first generation

Through their involvement with Huntley & Palmers, the first generation of the Palmer family (George, William Isaac and Samuel) prospered greatly and got involved in politics and philanthropy. The following generations of the family took over the key functions of the business towards the end of the Victorian era, and consolidated the family's considerable wealth.