History and background of Burberry. Burberry was founded in 1856 when 21 year old Thomas Burberry, a former apprentice to a country draper, opened an outfitters shop in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England. Business thrived and by 1870 Burberry became known as an 'emporium' with an increased focus on the development of outdoorwear for local residents and visiting sportsmen who frequented the store.
