About William Debenham
Lived 1794 – 1863 (aged 69). William Debenham was a British draper and businessperson, known for Organizational founder.
William Debenham (; 18 April 1794 – 24 September 1863) was the founder of Debenhams, once one of the largest retailers in the United Kingdom.
Career Born in 1794 in Alpheton in Suffolk, William Debenham joined Thomas Clark in a partnership to manage a draper's store at 44 Wigmore Street in London.
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. William Debenham Snr died in 1863 at Kensal Rise in London.
Family William married Caroline Freebody in 1820 and together they had six sons and four daughters.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was William Debenham?
British businessman (1794-1863)
When was William Debenham born?
William Debenham was born on 18 April 1794 in Alpheton.
When did William Debenham die?
William Debenham died on 24 September 1863 in Kensal Green.
What was William Debenham's occupation?
William Debenham was a draper and businessperson.
What was William Debenham known for?
William Debenham was known for Organizational founder.
What nationality was William Debenham?
William Debenham was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Debenham. https://biography.guide/william-debenham-draper/
MLA: "William Debenham." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-debenham-draper/.
Chicago: "William Debenham." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-debenham-draper/.
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