Burberry was founded in 1856 when 21 year old Thomas Burberry, a former draper's apprentice, opened his own store in Basingstoke , Hampshire . By 1870 , the business had established itself by focusing on the development of outdoors attire., Its distinctive check pattern has become one of its most widely copied trademarks. The red, white, black, and camel check, known as the 'Nova,' was first used as a lining for their trenchcoat in 1924 . It wasn't until as late as 1967 that the Burberry Check, now a registered trademark, was widely used on its own for items including umbrellas, scarves and luggage, glasses etc. The company has branded stores and franchises around the world, as defined by the endurance, classicism and functionality that characterised its history as the outfitter of choice for the explorers and adventurers who pioneered aviation and arctic exploration, with a balancing its classic sensibility with modernity and infusing quality with style to make these core values relevant for now and future generations.