Our Timeline

John Cadbury begins selling tea, coffee and drinking chocolate in Bull Street in Birmingham

John Cadbury moves his factory to Bridge Street in Birmingham

John Cadbury becomes a partner with his brother Benjamin and the company becomes known as "Cadbury Brothers"

John Cadbury's sons, Richard and George, take over the business

First 16 workers cottages are built on Bournville Lane

Brothers George and Richard Cadbury move their manufacturing cocoa business from Birmingham City centre to Bournville providing them with better transport links and a better environment for workers to live

George Cadbury buys 120 acres of land close to the works and plans, at his own expense, a model village which would "alleviate the evils of modern more cramped living conditions"

Mortgages of 2.5% are made available for would be purchasers of our first homes, built in Mary Vale Road, on the Southern boundary of the Bournville Estates

Richard Cadbury establishes Bournville Almshouse Trust and builds, to a design by Ewan Harper, a quadrangle of 33 bungalows for retired workers of the factory

The first shops are built on the Bournville estate on Mary Vale Road

Richard Cadbury dies aged 64 from diphtheria leaving a profound effect on George who is driven to establish Bournville Village Trust (BVT) as a way of safeguarding his vision for the growing community

George Cadbury becomes BVT's first Chairman of Trustees

BVT is founded, heralding our transformation from building estate to complete village community. All house plans have to be approved by the principal architect, Alexander Harvey

Bournville Village Council is established.

Bournville Junior School is opened

Bournville Tenants Limited is established

BVT’s co-partnership housing society, Bournville Residents Ltd., is established on land leased from the BVT and shares issued

Foundation stone for Bournville Infants school is laid by George and Elizabeth Cadbury

145 houses are completed, designed by Alexander Harvey, for Bournville Tenants Limited, complete with their own community hall

Inauguration of the Rest House on Bournville Village Green gifted to George and Elizabeth on their Silver Wedding anniversary from Cadbury workers all over the world

The second such housing co-partnership, Weoley Hill Ltd., is formed to develop the north-west side of the Estate

King George V and Queen Mary visits Bournville on 21 May

The 363 house co-partnership initiative Bournville Works Housing Society Ltd, so called because its members were drawn from workers at the Cadbury Brothers’ factory, is established

Dame Elizabeth Cadbury takes over from George Cadbury as Chairman of Trustees after 22 years

George Cadbury dies on 24 October aged 83

Housing Society Residential Flats Ltd. meets a real need of the time by providing St. George’s Court, an elegant home of 49 self-contained, serviced semi-furnished flats and bed-sitting rooms for single professional businesswomen

Weoley Hill Village Council is established

Work on St Francis of Assisi Church, designed by Harvey and Wicks, and the Day Continuation College is completed

Work on Bournville Village Green is completed following delays because of the First World War

Nicknamed "Ten Shilling Houses" because the rent was a reasonable 10/- and "Sunshine Homes" because they featured large south-facing windows, the BVT’s first "solar houses" are completed

Local builders, having leased land from and following plans by BVT, lay out plots and build much sought-after homes costing less than £1,000 in the Weoley Hill area of the Estate

BVT commissions Bill Brandt, who is widely considered to be one of the most important British photographers of the 20th century to capture the living conditions in a range of housing types, from 1939 to 1943. The images form distinct picture stories, contrasting slum and municipal housing and can be viewed in the book titled Homes for Heroes

Even though work is strictly governed by regulations, BVT re-starts building and the first post-war houses for rent are officially opened the following year, by the then Chairman of Trustees, Dame Elizabeth Cadbury

Work is started on BVT's biggest single project to date, Shenley Fields Neighbourhood Development, comprising 750 properties including shops, houses, apartments, maisonettes and bungalows

Dame Elizabeth Cadbury opens the 200th post war house on 27 June

George Cadbury Jnr. takes over from Dame Elizabeth Cadbury as Chairman of Trustees after 30 years

Laurence Cadbury takes over from George Cadbury Jnr. as Chairman of Trustees after just 2 years

Following the Leasehold Reform Act, BVT is granted High Court approval for a Scheme of Management on the Bournville Estate. This enables it to uphold standards of appearance and amenity, by requiring freeholders to obtain Trust approval for external alterations to property in Bournville

Veronica Wootten takes over from Laurence Cadbury as Chairman of Trustees after 24 years

Flats to satisfy a growing need for accommodation for single people and young families are built, off Bristol Road and also, a year later, behind the Convent in St. Joseph’s Avenue

BVT buys 65 acres of Rowheath playing fields to create the largest solar village in northern Europe at the time

The major development takes place at Meadow Rise where 14 bungalows for rent are built from the proceeds of the sale of 30 houses

Following protracted negotiations with Telford Development Corporation, BVT becomes owner and landlord of 350 properties in Telford, Shropshire

Gordon Cherry takes over from Veronica Wootten as Chairman of Trustees after 14 years

The last major plot of un-developed land on the Estate - a 15-acre site including 'The Davids', former home of the founder's son Laurence Cadbury – is sold

BVT joins forces with other Midlands-based housing associations, the City of Birmingham, major developers, building firms and Heartlands Development Corporation to tackle one of the largest redevelopment projects in the West Midlands in Bordesley

Roger Cadbury takes over from Gordon Cherry as Chairman of Trustees after 4 years

BVT rebuilds the centre of Bordesley Village in Birmingham, including apartments, shops, a dental surgery and a community hall following designs from Bournville Architects

Parville House in Shropshire, a unique scheme for people with physical disabilities, is officially opened

Major re-development work including the replacement and renovation of redundant tower blocks in the Bloomsbury area of Birmingham's Nechells begins

BVT's development in Bloomsbury in the Heartlands district of Birmingham, is officially opened by the Rt. Hon. Viscount Younger of Leckie, Chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland

BVT completes merger with St Laurence Housing Association and takes on a number of properties in Droitwich

The refurbishment of the splendidly-located St. George’s Court in Bournville, begins, providing 28 spacious one and two bedroom apartments

Spectacular fireworks light up the sky on December 14th 2000 to mark the start of the Centenary Year of Bournville Village Trust. At the Foundation Day party, invited guests mingle with Trust staff to be entertained by a concert of children’s choirs and instrumental music, inside Rowheath Pavilion

Plans are unveiled for a £4 million four year redevelopment plan for Shenley Green and Shenley Gardens, which will see reconstruction of new family housing, flats and bungalows

The final phase of Bloomsbury redevelopment, including 14 shared-ownership houses, is completed. In Shropshire, work continues on the master plan for an exciting new village of 800 homes at Lightmoor, Telford

BVT celebrates 10 years in Shropshire

Renovation work at St Georges Court is completed

The Holdings Leaving Care Project opens in January 2001. Its aim to provide young people leaving care with the opportunity of living independently and by doing so acquire the life skills necessary to succeed and to manage a tenancy

First turf cut in Shenley Green, marking the beginning of Phase 1 of the Shenley redevelopment, which provided over 50 new dwellings, a new medical centre and a renovated shopping area

Joint Venture agreement signed by English Partnerships and BVT to work together to promote and develop an urban village in Telford’s Lightmoor district

Work on the re-development project at Shenley commences

Completion of the Lock Close Centre at Redditch – a respite centre for five young people with learning disabilities, built in partnership with Worcestershire County Council and Home Farm Trust

Peter Roach from Mercian Housing Association is appointed as Bournville Village Trust's new Chief Executive, replacing James Wilson who was Chief Executive for 20 Years

Bournville Village Council celebrate their centenary

Planning permission given on 23 September for Lightmoor Village, BVT’s second Bournville

BVT wins an award for Mary Vale Road from the National Home Improvement Council, for sensitive renovation work, in preserving and enhancing historic buildings, whilst bringing them up to modern standards

Mary Vale Rd renovation is completed, restoring to their former glory the first shops built on the Bournville Estate in 1898. Designed by W. Alexander Harvey, these three-storey Grade 2 listed buildings provide a dramatic entrance to the Estate, when approached from Linden Road. Using original slate and timber, the restoration also incorporates a newly-built extension behind the façade

Specially – commissioned sundial within the new development is unveiled by Peter Dixon, Chairman of the Housing Corporation

Phase 1 of BVT’s £10 million Shenley redevelopment is opened by local MP, Richard Burden. This phase includes 12 bungalows, 42 new houses, refurbished shops and a brand new medical centre, all in a landscaped setting

Bournville’s Friends Meeting House celebrates its centenary

HRH Princess Alexandra opens Beech Spinney in Shropshire, the CARE Ironbridge residential and respite centre for adults with multiple learning disabilities

BVT's £4 million development at Shenley wins a prestigious silver "Green Apple" Award for its sustainable homes, new medical centre, refurbished shops, landscaping and park

Ground-breaking start at Lightmoor Village in Telford, Shropshire, where the first phase of the 800-home "second Bournville" village gets underway

Phoenix Hall, Bordesley celebrates 10 years working at the heart of the Bordesley community including a live radio broadcast from the site by Carl Chinn

A former farm building at Chadwich Manor Farm on BVT’s agricultural estate is converted into a pottery studio and art gallery after receiving a grant from the Advantage West Midlands Rural Enterprise scheme

Bournville Junior School celebrates its centenary with a visit from HRH the Duke of Gloucester

Bournville Tenants Limited celebrate its centenary

Construction work begins on Lightmoor Village Centre, Shropshire

The Bournville Experience at Cadbury World is launched by Sir Adrian Cadbury

The BVT Eco Home demonstration project is opened to the general public for exhibition purposes by conservationist David Bellamy

Work on restoring the iron fencing at The Quadrangle, Mary Vale Road commences after they were taken down to help with the Second World war effort. In addition new bells were cast for the clock tower to bring it back to its original glory

Shenley’s Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) is officially opened by Richard Burden MP on 4 July

Work starts on 167 new social rented and owner-occupied housing development in Lower Shenley

A new DVD - The Bournville Story is launched. It traces the history of the Trust and highlights future developments in a 15 minute snapshot of the Bournville Journey

The first tenants move into the new community at Lawley in Telford, which will provide 800 affordable homes in a joint partnership with Beth Johnson Housing Group

Specially commissioned foundation stone is laid at Lightmoor marking the building and development of a new primary school on the site

BVT wins a national award by the National Housing Maintenance Forum (NHMF) "Best Example of Resident Involvement in Managing Maintenance"

A Resident Census is taken of all residents in BVT properties in order to gather much needed customer insight information

BVT holds its first "Open View" event and gathers feedback from residents on all its services

At the same time, HRH the Duke of Gloucester officially opened the newly rebuilt Shenley Court Hall

Latest phase in the Shenley regeneration scheme is opened by HRH the Duke of Gloucester. Over 160 energy – efficient homes built to a contemporary design are completed

First residents move in to Bournville House, BVT’s Extra Care scheme in Lightmoor, Shropshire

Members of Bournville Works Housing Society vote to become part of the BVT Group

'VISION' is launched, which is a new way for BVT to fund local community projects, where residents are encouraged to vote for their favourite projects

The Annual Review shows resident satisfaction levels reach a high 96% satisfied with the services provided by BVT

BVT purchases former Bournville College site to build a new 'care village' called College Green

BVT receives the National Housing Maintenance Forum's (NHMF) "Best Use of IT in Maintenance" Award

HRH The Duke of Gloucester visits Lightmoor Village in Telford to officially open the new housing development. Whilst exploring the site he took time to chat to Lightmoor residents and workers

St Francis of Assisi Church, designed by W. Alexander Harvey, celebrates its centenary

Built on the site of the former Shenley Green Community Centre, BVT opens its Green Meadow Road development of 6 self-contained bungalows and 13 apartments. Suitable for older people, these new properties releases some much needed houses suitable for families

BVT's direct labour organisation, Bournville PropertyCare Services (BPS), receives two awards - "English Apprentice Employer of the Year" and "UK Apprentice Employer of the Year" given by the Construction Industry Training Board. In addition, South Birmingham College named BPS's, Gerard Finnegan, "Apprentice Carpenter of the Year"

BVT opens their new headquarters at 350 Bournville Lane having merged 4 area offices. The building was officially opened by Steve McCabe MP on 28 May. Guests were given a tour of the building and grounds which included a visit to the Honey Bee colony which has been set up in the gardens

Roger Cadbury commissions a new book “The Story of Bournville Village Trust” which covers the history of BVT

Duncan Cadbury takes over as Chairman from Roger Cadbury after 17 years at the helm

The Rest House on Bournville Village Green celebrates its centenary on Saturday 12 April. In addition The Friends Meeting House, Selly Manor, Ruskin Hall and Bournville Junior School opened their doors to visitors. The Friends Meeting House housed an exhibition telling the story of the Rest House

BVT win the NHMF’s ‘Most Improved Asset Management Team’ award for their work in Shropshire

BPS win the 'Celebrating Construction' award for leadership and developing people

Foundation stone is laid at Bournville Gardens Retirement Village

BVT welcomes delegates from one of the largest housing associations in Denmark, KAB, to learn how Bournville inspired the creation of garden cities

Residents in Lawley Village enjoy a fun day hosted by BVT

Bournville Gardens, the first phase of College Green, Bournville’s flagship care village, is opened by the Lord Mayor

Selly Manor Museum launches its first audio tour, produced in partnership with Kings Norton Girls' School

BVT plants fruit trees in Lightmoor Village to celebrate the birth of new babies there

Selly Manor launches a book revealing new insights into Laurence Cadbury, the son of George Cadbury, who is responsible for much of the Museum's collection

BVT and Rowheath Pavilion launch the Village's first community orchard with BVT Chair Duncan Cadbury

BVT Trustee Nigel Cadbury helps open new changing rooms at Rowheath Pavilion

The Bournville Community Hub, run by the Busy Parents Network, opens its doors as a community meeting place

BVT hosts its first Big Tidy Up campaign, helping to spruce up areas in Birmingham and Telford

Selly Manor Museum launches its centenary exhibition with BVT Trustee Roger Cadbury and winner of the Museum's 'Banner for the Manor' competition Liyah Yasin from Bournville Junior School

Selly Manor Museum invites local residents to celebrate its 100th birthday as a Museum at a special tea party

BVT supports green-fingered residents to open their gardens to the public for the first time as part of the National Gardens Scheme (NGS)

Lightmoor Village's first convenience store and pharmacy opens its doors, with help from BVT chief Executive Peter Roach and BVT Trustee Alison McKittrick

BVT launches the Great Green Discovery Trail to encourage residents to explore Bournville's parks and open spaces

Restoration work to conserve and preserve the unique look of the Quadrangle sheltered housing scheme in Bournville reaches new heights

Work continues to develop the second phase of College Green, Bournville's flagship care village

Planning permission is approved for the third phase of College Green, Bournville's flagship care village

BVT launches a Garden Award, developed in partnership with residents, to recognise BVT residents in Birmingham and Telford who go above and beyond to look after their gardens

Philip Lumley, Deputy Head of the University of Birmingham's College of Medical and Dental Sciences, joins BVT's board of Trustees