Person | Male

William Fortnum

Categories: Commerce

Image source: Fortnum & Mason archivist

The records of the founders of Fortnum and Mason are not too clear. In 1707 a William Fortnum is said to have become a footman to Queen Anne and at about the same time to have founded a grocery business in Duke Street jointly with his landlord, Hugh Mason. The first documented reference to the business is in 1756 when it moved premises to Piccadilly.

London Walks describes the growth of the business through the involvement of William's grandson Charles (1738-1815) who was footman to Queen Charlotte.

Comments are provided by Facebook, please ensure you are signed in here to see them

This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
William Fortnum

Commemorated ati

Fortnum & Mason

From the shop's website: "1964 saw a new landmark added to the front of the ...

See other memorials in this area

Other Subjects

T Walton (London) Ltd

Founded by T. Walton. See his page for more details about the shops. Our picture was generously offered to us by Monika Roleff who tells us: "This paper bag is part of the collection of ephemera o...

Group, Commerce, Food & Drink

1 memorial

Junius S. Morgan

International banker. In business with George Peabody. Father of J. P. Morgan.

Person, Commerce, USA

1 memorial

Carlton Hotel, Haymarket

Designed by C. J. Phipps. The picture is taken from Cockspur Street. The building was badly bombed in 1940. Compare and contrast this ornate building with New Zealand House (1963) which is there now.

Building, Commerce

2 memorials

Marks and Spencer

Retail group specialising in clothing and food, founded by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer. There are currently over 700 branches in the U.K. and more than 300 spread over thirty other countries.

Group, Commerce

2 memorials

J. K. Farnell & Co. Ltd.

Manufacturing company. Founded in Notting Hill by John Kirby Farnell. Initially they produced fancy items such as tea cosies and pincushions. Farnell's daughter Agnes started making soft toys in 18...

Group, Commerce

1 memorial