William Fortnum was a footman to Queen Anne and sold surplus wax from the royal household to make money.

Fortnum's has enjoyed royal patronage throughout its history. Queen Victoria bought beef tea for soldiers in the Crimea.

Fortnum's started selling ladies clothes in 1925 and for a long while was a byword for society fashion.

Fortnum's has also tried to stay in step with consumer trends. It was the first British store to sell Heinz baked beans.

Fortnum's has always been popular with politicians. Stanley Baldwin ordered sandwiches from there for cabinet meetings.

Fortnum's is best-known for its luxury hampers sent around the world. It is introducing a �20,000 hamper this year.

Fresh food is at the centre of future growth plans and Fortnum's sources its goods as close to home as possible.