Collection: Commerce
Level: Series
Title: C Orchards
RefNo: C/OR
Extent: 6 boxes
Dates: 1905-1974

History: The general purpose of Dartington's cider factory created at an ancient farm at Shinner's Bridge in 1928, was to maintain and develop estate orchard produce on a commercial basis. Manager Roger Morel established a number of fruit tree plantations and was responsible for the packing, grading and storage of market apples and fruit as well as the production of cider.

Orchards became a department of Dartington Hall Ltd and was enrolled as an authorised maker of cider by the Ministry in 1931. The Devon Farmers Cider Growers Association Ltd operated a National Mark to serve as an official label on every bottle and cask. Dartington's cider gained a good reputation and won prizes at agricultural shows. The department was also responsible for flower production, particularly daffodils.

Roger Morel pioneered the production of apple juice in the UK. He visited factories and research stations abroad, and began experiments in apple juice production at Dartington in 1935. Three high pressure storage tanks were installed in 1936, the first in Britain. By 1938, although the apple juice was gaining a good reputation, the financial situation of the department was in crisis, and discussions took place about the future of the Ciderhouse at Shinners Bridge.

Marley Farm was purchased in 1934 for the purpose of establishing a fruit farm with Roger Morel in sole charge. New buildings there included cottages designed by Dartington architect, Robert Hening. Although professional advice was sought, the conditions at the farm near Dartmoor proved to be too wet for fruit farming and the venture was discontinued in 1947. Morel, who had purchased Bulkamore Farm, Rattery, ceased his position as supervisor of Marley Farm in 1944.

A second venture, Dartington Orchards Ltd, was incorporated in 1941 with capital divided between Dartington Hall Ltd and L Garvin & Co Ltd. The new company was responsible for the manufacture of cider and fruit juices at Dartington, but not for distribution and sales, which was divided between the two shareholders. The first directors were W K Slater, H L A Garvin and Fred A Wadhams, with H C Struckman as Secretary. L Garvin and Co of Isleworth took over the distribution of Dartington cider in 1944.

The company was liquidated in 1957.

Description: Records, mainly generated by department manager, Roger Morel, and later by staff and officers of Dartington Orchards Ltd. Records include correspondence, progress reports and minutes of the cider making and fruit juice department from its early beginnings in 1928 until its liquidation in 1957. Papers also relate to: Marley Fruit Farm, managed by Roger Morel, personnel, awards, financial accounts, and trademarks. Other correspondents include: W K Slater; Fred A Wadhams; Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries; Raymond Bush; associated organisations and distributors. There are also some legal papers and publications.