Christmas Crakers

The History of Tom Smith

It was on a trip to Paris, in 1840 that an adventurous and forward thinking Tom Smith discovered the 'bon bon' sugared almond, wrapped in a twist of tissue papaer. Seven years laters this simple idea evolved into the Christmas Crackers

By placing a small love motto in the tissue paper he created enormous interested in his product, especially at Christmas and it was during a search for inspiration to achieve even greater sales that he casually threw a log on the fire. The crackle sound, made by the burning log, gave him the idea that would eventually lead to the crackers we know and love today. After a great deal of hard work and experimentation the came up with a cracking mechanism that created a 'pop' as the 'bon bon' wrapping was broken. This eventually became the snap and the cracker was born.

Over the next few years his idea evolved and grew and he moved from his original premises in Clerkenwell, East London, to Finsbury Square, in the city. His sons, Tom. Walter and Henry took over the business when he died and later a drinking fountain was erected in Finsbury Square, by Walter, in memory of his mother and to commemorate the life of the man who invented the Christmas Crackers.

It was Walter who introduced the paper hats and he toured the world to find new and unusual ideas of the gifts.

The company was very aware of current affairs and crackers were created for the Suffragettes, War Heroes, Charlie Chaplin, The Coronation and many others great occasions. Exclusive crackers were also made for the Royal Family and still are to this day.