1780s, a footman named Fortnum leaves in a huff to start a "provision merchant's in Piccadilly." This is an anachronistic reference to the founding of the store, as William Fortnum's position as a footman in the royal household was many decades earlier, in the reign of Queen Anne. In Anthony Trollope's novel "The Claverings," Sir Hugh Clavering disdains to trust Fortnum and Mason to provision his yachting trip to Norway. "He was not a man to trust any Fortnum or any Mason as to the excellence of the article to be supplied, or as to the price." See also Harrods Jenners References External links Official website Bonhams – Fortnum & Mason 1707 establishments in England Shops in London Luxury brands Buildings and structures in the City of Westminster Privately held companies of the United Kingdom British Royal Warrant holders Tourist attractions in the City of Westminster Department store buildings in the United Kingdom Food retailers of the United Kingdom Delicatessens in the United Kingdom British companies established in 1707 Retail companies established in 1707