Peter Cadbury facts for kids

Peter Egbert Cadbury (born February 6, 1918 – died April 17, 2006) was a British businessman. He was known for starting and running different companies. He came from the famous Cadbury family, known for their chocolates. However, Peter chose his own path, becoming a pilot and later a successful entrepreneur in television and travel.

Early Life and School Days

Peter Cadbury was born in Great Yarmouth, England. His father was Egbert Cadbury, a brave pilot in World War I. His father also helped run the famous Cadbury chocolate company. Peter's mother was Mary Forbes.

Peter went to Leighton Park School. This was a Quaker school, which means it was founded on Quaker beliefs. His grandfather, George Cadbury, started the school. After that, Peter studied at Trinity College at the Cambridge.

Peter's Amazing Career

Peter Cadbury did not work in the family chocolate business. Instead, he became a pilot, just like his father.

Flying Jet Fighters

During World War II, Peter worked as a test pilot. This meant he flew new airplanes to make sure they worked correctly. He helped test early jet fighters.

In 1993, he remembered his very first flight in a jet. It was a Gloster Meteor, a new type of plane. He had to fly it alone because there were no two-seat versions. He said it was a thrill he would never forget. He was surprised by how quiet and smooth the jet was. The Meteor project was top secret, so he had to be very careful where he flew.

From Law to Business

After the war, Peter tried a career in law. He even played a small part in the Nuremberg Trials. These were trials where important people from the war were judged. But Peter decided law was not for him.

He borrowed money from his father and bought a company called Keith Prowse. This company helped people book tickets for shows and theaters.

Making Television History

Peter Cadbury then became involved in the world of television. He helped start Tyne Tees Television. He also led a group that created Westward Television. This was one of the first independent TV channels in southwest England. He became its main director.

He also owned his own airline and a travel business. He was a very busy and successful businessman!

Peter's Personal Life

Peter Cadbury was known for being a strong-willed person. He sometimes had arguments with people, including his neighbors and even his own business partners. He was very passionate about his beliefs.

He owned many fancy things, like Aston Martin and Ferrari cars. He also had Bentley cars, many yachts, and racehorses. He owned homes in the Caribbean and large country houses. One of his houses even had its own airstrip and a hangar for five airplanes!

Westward Television, the company he led, lost its TV license in 1980. This was because of ongoing disagreements with the IBA, which regulated TV channels.

Peter's country home was Tittenhurst Park. He later sold this property. It was then bought by the famous musician John Lennon. Peter loved animals and had a parrot, a Great Dane dog, and even a Rwandan gorilla.

Family Life

Peter Cadbury was married three times. His first marriage was to Benedicta Bruce in 1947. They had a son and a daughter. This marriage ended in 1968.

In 1970, he married Mrs Jennifer Morgan-Jones. They had another son, Joel Cadbury. This marriage ended in 1976.

Later in 1976, he married Mrs Jane Mead. They had two more sons together.

Peter Cadbury passed away on April 17, 2006, at the age of 88.