Welcome to E Oldroyd & Sons, the Home of Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb.
E. Oldroyd & Sons Ltd, are producers and packers of high-quality Yorkshire forced rhubarb and fruit.
The family has 5 generations of experience in Yorkshire forced rhubarb production and are regarded as leaders in their field, being highly skilled in the production of this highly specialised crop, which is part of the local heritage. Oldroyd’s farm first became a tourist attraction in 1997, initially designed for group bookings. They became so popular that eventually a whole festival was based around the tours so that individuals and families can also see the forced rhubarb growing in the dark being harvested by candlelight, and learn the incredible history associated with this plant, and the health benefits forced rhubarb and field rhubarb can bring to us all.
Tours of the famous Rhubarb sheds can be arranged throughout the season from January to March and during Wakefield’s Rhubarb Festival. Tours will recommence in 2027.
The company has a high media profile, being one of the country’s largest producers of Yorkshire forced rhubarb as well as field rhubarb. Many celebrity chefs have made visits to the Oldroyd’ s due to the resurgence in popularity of this traditional crop. Janet Oldroyd Hulme has become affectionally known by the media as the ‘High Priestess of Rhubarb’ and the company is listed as a Rick Stein Food Hero Producer.
Our History
- Founded by John Oldroyd in 1930
- Became a limited company in 1965 by his grandson Ken Oldroyd
- Producing strawberries, rhubarb and vegetables
The Farm
- Head Office is at Hopefield Farm, Rothwell, Leeds.
- Located within the Rhubarb Triangle
- Tours scheduled to restart in 2026
Our Rhubarb
- Five generations of experience
- Led by Janet Oldroyd-Hulme
- In 2010 was awarded Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Status
- We produce over a 1000 ton of Rhubarb a year
Buy Online
- UK Delivery
- Fresh Premium Grade
- Fresh Class 2 Forced Rhubarb
Our Heritage
The History of the Oldroyds & the growth of Yorkshire Rhubarb
The Move to Wakefield
John found a farm to rent at Lofthouse Wakefield and began growing fruit and vegetables at Pymont Farm. He learned the secrets of forcing rhubarb from local growers and built a reputation for producing high-quality crops. The family’s legacy began to take root in Yorkshire.
Early Beginnings
The Oldroyd family originally were fruit growers in the Wisbech area in the 1800’s. John Richard Oldroyd, despite being the son of a prosperous farmer, ventured independently and became a successful market gardener. However, during the depression, he lost everything and moved to Wakefield in early 1930, to support his daughter Martha Neil, who was a greengrocer in the town centre.
A Growing Legacy
As John’s reputation for quality produce grew, his eldest son Ernest joined him in Yorkshire to assist with the family farm. This marked the start of a generational tradition, carrying forward the pride of Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb.