History

1856

Thomas Burberry, a 21-year-old draper’s apprentice, opened a small outfitter’s shop in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England.

1870

A commitment to quality and innovation in fabric and outwear design earned Burberry a loyal following. By 1870, the shop had grown to an ‘emporium’.

1880

Gabardine – the breathable, weatherproof and tearproof fabric developed by Burberry – was introduced in 1880.

1891

Now trading as Thomas Burberry & Sons, the business opened a shop in the West End of London at 30 Haymarket.

1895

Burberry developed the Tielocken, the predecessor of the trench coat, which was adopted by British officers during the Boer War.

1901

The Equestrian Knight trademark appeared for the first time accompanied by the Latin word ‘Prorsum’, meaning forwards.

1911

Equipped by Burberry, the Norwegian explorer Captain Roald Amundsen became the first man to reach the South Pole.

1914

Commissioned by the War Office to adapt its earlier officer’s coat for new combat requirements, Burberry added epaulettes and ‘D’ rings, and the ‘trench coat’ was born.

1920

The Burberry Check, registered as a trademark, was introduced as a lining to the trench coat in the 1920s.

1955

Burberry was awarded a Royal Warrant by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

1989

A second Royal Warrant was granted to Burberry in 1989 by HRH The Prince of Wales.

2002

Burberry launched its exclusive ‘Art of the Trench’ made to order trench coat service.

Today

Burberry is an internationally recognised luxury brand with a worldwide distribution network.