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Sweets are the source of brilliant stories, accidental inventions and a surprising amount of history. Here are some of my favourite facts about some classics you’ve probably enjoyed for years… without ever knowing the story behind them! 1. Jelly Babies were originally called Unclaimed Babies  Before they became the cute Jelly Babies we know today, these sweets had a very odd name indeed. In the 1800s, Bassett’s produced them as “Unclaimed Babies.” After WWI they reappeared as

A Sweet Little History of Marzipan Marzipan: smooth, almond-sweet and one of those treats that instantly whispers Christmas. Whether it’s tucked beneath icing, shaped into something pretty, or covered in chocolate — it’s a festive classic through and through. Behind its soft, sugary charm lies a story that stretches across continents, centuries and even convents. Where does the name come from? One of the most enduring theories is that  marzipan  comes from the Latin  marci pa

A Nostalgic Trip Back to the Penny-Sweet Era in Stockbridge High Street, Hampshire Do you, like me, have early sweet shop memories ...? For many of us, the weekly visit to buy sweets was practically a rite of passage. It didn’t matter whether you had 10p or a whole 20p burning a hole in your pocket – you marched in with all the excitement of … well … a kid in a sweet shop! My own ritual started with a shiny 10p piece pressed firmly into my palm. Ten pence! A small fortune by