The Colman's story timeline: 1866-1892

1866

J. & J. Colman were appointed mustard-makers to Queen Victoria by a royal warrant. 

1867

Colman's mustard won a silver medal at the Paris Exposition. J. & J. Colman was also granted a warrant as manufacturers of mustard to Emperor Napoleon III.   

Jeremiah James was elected Mayor of Norwich.  

At Carrow, a workers' canteen opened, subsidised to offer hot meals and tea at nominal cost. Low-cost accommodation and laundry for female workers were also instituted around that time.

1869

King Victor Emmanuel II warranted J. & J. Colman's as manufacturers of mustard to the King of Italy.  

1870

The Eastern Daily Press newspaper was launched. Jeremiah James and other Colman family members were closely involved from the start. 

Steam cooperage at Carrow produced the first machine-made casks.  

1871

Jeremiah James was elected a Liberal MP for Norwich.  

1872

Jeremiah James purchased the Crown Point estate. This marked the expansion of one of Britain's first industrial model villages, Trowse with Newton. 

Installation of a private telegraph wire connected to the London offices of the firm. In 1878 this line was part of experiments to produce the country's first long-distance phone call. 

Azure blue (laundry blue) squares were first marketed. (An improved product, No. 1 Azure blue was introduced in 1875). 

c.1875-1880

The printing department was established, allowing in-house production of Colman's publicity materials including enamel signs, labels and wrapping paper. The advertising department was set up around the same time.  

1878

Purchase of more land around Carrow, including the historic site of the Carrow Priory for the family, and the cricket ground at Lakenham for the workers. 

Jeremiah James Colman was awarded the Légion d'honneur at the Paris Exposition. Colman's mustard and starch were awarded gold medals and Colman's blue also received a medal. The awards still appear on the packaging of Colman's DSF (double superfine) mustard today. 

1880

Decorated tins were released for the first time in September of that year, in preparation for the Christmas season. The same decade saw the start of production of illustrated children's booklets for distribution at Christmas.

1881

The Carrow Fire Brigade was reorganised and equipped with a new fire engine. 

1885

Development of improved mustard plasters. By the following year, these were marketed as Sinapisms.  

1886

Colman's concentrated mustard oil was sold for the first time. Until then it had been distributed for free as a side product.  

Introduction of the 1d oval mustard tins, with 2d tins following soon after. 

1892

Introduction of Colman's self-rising flour.