THE hundreth anniversary of Joseph Rowntree becoming a Freeman of York will be marked tomorrow.

One of York’s most famous historical figures, the confectioner, who was born in 1836, is being celebrated at an event organised by The Rowntree Society, an independent charity with the mission of connecting people across York with their Rowntree heritage.

A specially-designed installation is to be displayed at the University of York’s new demonstration space in the Heslington East campus.

Based around recordings of Rowntree’s acceptance speech and 100 images of York, the installation will bring the life and times of Rowntree to the modern age, with all four walls being used in an immersive audio-visual display. Steven Burkeman, chairman of the Rowntree Society, said: “The state-of the-art facility at the Sir Ron Cooke Hub is a fitting venue for this anniversary celebration.

“It reminds us of the innovatory and visionary quality of Joseph Rowntree’s work for the city a hundred years ago.”

The Joseph Rowntree School will also be getting involved, by baking period cakes and biscuits for the event, in a reflection of Rowntree’s inaugural ceremony as a York freeman.

An exhibition displaying some of the Rowntree history will be also on show at the event, and there will be an opportunity for people to add to the collection of Rowntree memories.

The anniversary event will take place on from 6pm to 8pm.