The History of Fortnum & Mason: A British Institution Since 1707
British Heritage | History & Traditions | 5-minute read
Few names capture the elegance, tradition and charm of British life quite like Fortnum & Mason. From its famous wicker hampers and exceptional teas to its long-standing connections with the Royal Family, Fortnum & Mason has become one of Britain's most treasured establishments.
Standing proudly on London's Piccadilly for more than three centuries, this remarkable institution has witnessed the reigns of numerous monarchs, two world wars and the transformation of British society.
But behind its grand windows and beautifully presented goods lies a rather unexpected story of entrepreneurial spirit, royal connections and a few leftover candles.
Humble Beginnings in 1707
The story begins in London in 1707, during the reign of Queen Anne.
William Fortnum was employed as a footman in the Royal Household, where he discovered an unusual business opportunity. Queen Anne insisted upon fresh candles being used in the palace each evening, regardless of how little the previous night's candles had burned.
Rather than allowing the remaining wax to go to waste, Fortnum collected and sold the discarded candles, earning himself a modest income.
With his entrepreneurial spirit and growing savings, he joined forces with his landlord, Hugh Mason, who was already involved in the grocery trade. Together, they established what would become one of Britain's most recognisable luxury retailers.
Their shop catered to London's fashionable society, supplying fine groceries and provisions to those who appreciated quality and exceptional service.
What began as a small business would eventually grow into a symbol of British refinement.
A Royal Connection
Fortnum & Mason's association with the British monarchy was established from the very beginning.
William Fortnum's experience in the Royal Household provided valuable insight into the tastes and expectations of aristocratic society.
The family's royal connections continued in 1761 when William's grandson, Charles Fortnum, entered the service of Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III.
Over the generations, the company built a reputation for providing exceptional food and provisions to royalty and distinguished customers alike.
Today, Fortnum & Mason remains a Royal Warrant holder, continuing a relationship with the monarchy that stretches back more than 300 years.
The Birth of the Famous Fortnum's Hamper
Perhaps nothing represents Fortnum & Mason quite as perfectly as its traditional wicker hamper.
During the 18th century, wealthy British families frequently travelled between their London residences and country estates. Long journeys by horse-drawn carriage could be uncomfortable, and good food was not always available along the way.
Fortnum & Mason recognised an opportunity to provide travellers with beautifully prepared provisions for their journeys.
By the late 1730s, the company was assembling baskets filled with delicacies such as game pies, cheese, fresh bread, fruit cakes and other carefully selected refreshments.
As countryside picnics became fashionable among the British upper classes, these practical travelling baskets evolved into luxurious picnic hampers.
They soon became associated with some of Britain's most celebrated social occasions, including Royal Ascot, Henley and the great summer gatherings of the English countryside.
Even today, a traditional Fortnum's hamper represents something wonderfully British: good food, fine company and the pleasure of enjoying life's simple luxuries.
The Scotch Egg and Other Culinary Traditions
Fortnum & Mason also has a fascinating place in British culinary history.
The company credits itself with creating the Scotch egg in 1738, developing a convenient meal for travellers leaving London.
The original consisted of a boiled egg wrapped in seasoned meat, coated in breadcrumbs and fried, creating a substantial snack that could be enjoyed during a long journey.
Although the precise origins of the Scotch egg remain debated, Fortnum & Mason's association with the dish has become an enduring part of its history.
The company continued introducing unusual and exciting foods to British customers. In 1886, it famously purchased five cases of products from the American businessman H. J. Heinz, helping introduce baked beans to the British market.
From traditional picnic favourites to imported delicacies, Fortnum & Mason established a reputation for bringing new tastes to British tables.
Fortnum & Mason During Britain's Wars
While Fortnum & Mason is best known for luxury and indulgence, its history is also closely connected to Britain's military past.
During the Napoleonic Wars, the company supplied provisions to British officers serving overseas.
During the Crimean War in the 1850s, Queen Victoria arranged for Fortnum & Mason's concentrated beef tea to be sent to Florence Nightingale, who was caring for wounded soldiers.
The tradition continued during the First World War, when hampers and food parcels were dispatched to troops serving on the Western Front.
These parcels provided something beyond nourishment. For men far from home, familiar British foods offered a welcome reminder of the lives and traditions they had left behind.
The company continued supplying provisions during the Second World War, reinforcing its place in British history far beyond the fashionable streets of London.
The British Tradition of Afternoon Tea
No account of Fortnum & Mason would be complete without mentioning tea.
Tea drinking has been woven into British society for centuries, becoming an essential part of everyday life and social gatherings.
Fortnum & Mason developed a particular reputation for sourcing exceptional teas from around the world.
In 1902, the company created its celebrated Royal Blend for King Edward VII, combining Assam tea from India with Flowery Pekoe from Sri Lanka.
More than a century later, the blend remains one of its signature offerings.
Today, visitors to its Piccadilly flagship can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea, complete with delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones, fine pastries and carefully selected teas.
It is an experience that celebrates the elegance of British hospitality and the pleasure of taking time over a good cup of tea.
A Timeless Landmark on Piccadilly
For visitors to London, Fortnum & Mason's famous flagship at 181 Piccadilly remains an essential destination.
The store is instantly recognisable for its elegant exterior, distinctive Eau de Nil colour and beautifully arranged window displays.
Above the entrance sits its famous clock, installed in 1964, featuring figures of founders William Fortnum and Hugh Mason that emerge to mark the hour.
Inside, visitors discover magnificent food halls, carefully curated gifts, exceptional confectionery and a sense of occasion rarely found in modern retail.
Although the company has expanded beyond Piccadilly, its original London home remains at the heart of its identity.
More Than 300 Years of British Heritage
What makes Fortnum & Mason remarkable is not simply its age, but its ability to preserve tradition while continuing to evolve.
From supplying aristocratic households in the 18th century to welcoming visitors from around the world today, its appeal has always rested on a few enduring principles: quality, presentation, service and a genuine appreciation for the finer details.
Its iconic hampers, famous teas and royal heritage have made it far more than a department store. Fortnum & Mason has become part of Britain's cultural identity.
In a world where fashions and trends constantly change, there is something reassuring about an institution that continues to celebrate the same values upon which it was founded.
After all, true British style has never been solely about luxury. It is about tradition, character and doing things properly.
And perhaps that is why, more than three centuries after William Fortnum began selling leftover palace candles, Fortnum & Mason remains one of Britain's most beloved institutions.
Discover more stories celebrating British history, countryside traditions and timeless style in the Lords Club Journal.
Historical references: Fortnum & Mason's official history and timeline, its accounts of the Royal Household and famous hampers, and the Royal Warrant Holders Association.