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.

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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 ...

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Hugh Shearer and Co.

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Richard Budd

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London Tea History Association

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Thomas O. Arnold

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2 memorials

Cornhill market

Cornhill was apparently the only market allowed to be held after noon in the 14th century. Stow reports Cornhill holding a corn-market (not surprisingly) but also old clothes being sold there.

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1 memorial