Kate Nelson looks at how the famous sauce came into existence...
It was a fluke that led vinegar manufacturer Edwin Samson Moore to happen upon the HP Sauce recipe.
Visiting a local greengrocer in Nottingham, FG Garton, who was falling behind with his vinegar debts, Moore and his son were captivated by the smell of the fermenting sauce in the back room.
Garton had been selling the sauce locally and the name apparently came after he heard that the sauce was favoured in the Houses of Parliament.
Some people contest this theory, preferring to believe that the name comes from a Harry Palmer who reportedly concocted the recipe and sold it to Garton.
Moore paid £150 for the recipe, and cancelled Mr Garton's debts, and returned to Aston to launch his new investment.
The HP factory at Tower Road, Aston Cross, was founded by Moore as the Midland Vinegar Company in 1875 and is now a landmark synonymous with Birmingham.
Despite his wife's doubts the recipe was a huge success and the company expanded rapidly. In 1887, the Moore family had their home at Tower Road demolished to accommodate the growth of the factory, and records show that in 1889 they applied for planing permission to build a new vat shed to begin the production of the sauce we know today.
The sauce is actually made from a malt vinegar base which is infused with fruits and spices.
It came to great popularity during the Second World War.
The business has changed hands several times over the years.
