William Debenham
William Debenham (/ˈdɛbənəm/; 18 April 1794 – 24 September 1863) was the founder of Debenhams, one of the largest retailers in the United Kingdom.
William Debenham | |
|---|---|
| Born | 18 April 1794 Alpheton, Suffolk, England |
| Died | 24 September 1863 (aged 69) Kensal Rise, London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Citizenship | British |
| Occupation |
|
| Years active | 1813–1863 |
| Employer | Debenhams Ltd |
| Organization | Debenhams |
| Known for | Founder of Debenhams plc |
| Title | Chair of Debenhams |
| Term | 1813–1863 |
| Successor | William Debenham Jnr |
| Spouse(s) | Caroline Freebody ( m. 1820) |
| Children |
|
| Relatives | Ernest Debenham Sir Piers Debenham Alison Debenham |
| Website | debenhams |
Career
Born in 1794 in Alpheton in Suffolk,[1] William Debenham joined Thomas Clark in a partnership to manage a draper's store at 44 Wigmore Street in London.[2]
The partners later expanded the business such that it had stores on both sides of Wigmore Street, one known as Debenham & Clark and the other known as Clark & Debenham.[2] When William Debenham Snr retired a new partnership was formed between his son, William Debenham Jnr, and Clement Freebody.[2] This business became Debenhams, one of the largest retailers in the United Kingdom.[2] William Debenham Snr died in 1863 at Kensal Rise in London.[1]
Family
William married Caroline Freebody in 1820 and together they had six sons and four daughters.[1]
Further reading
- Fine Silks and Oak Counters 1778 – 1978 by Maurice Corina, Published 1978, Hutchinson Benham ISBN 978-0-09-134910-3
| Business positions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by William Clark |
President of Debenhams 1813–1863 |
Succeeded by William Debenhams Jnr |
| chairman of Debenhams 1813–1863 | ||