The Jewel of Knightsbridge: The Origins of the Harrods Empire
By Robin Harrod
The History Press, 256 pages, £20 There have been many books about Harrods, but this is the first to focus on the family history behind the empire. The author is the great great grandson of Charles Harrod, who founded the grocer’s shop which would become London's landmark department store.
Robin Harrod draws on 25 years of research, and in addition to the usual genealogy records, he has had access to the Harrods archives.
The book tells the story of how Charles Harrod was convicted of handling stolen goods and later pardoned after his family and friends appealed. Thereafter, Charles built up his business before passing it on to his son, Charles Digby Harrod. It was Charles Digby who made Harrods into a household name.
As the book focuses on the Harrods’ genealogy, it would have been helpful to include a family tree to assist the reader. Nevertheless, this book provides a fascinating insight into the origins of Harrods and the people behind the name.