Selfridge’s in Oxford Street can I think justify its Sunday opening this weekend as it is the actual centenary of the opening in 1909.
I see anniversary articles are beginning to appear and big celebrations are planned for the summer.
Founder Gordon Selfridge can also be remembered this weekend on the Bournemouth Coast Path.
He once owned all the land east of Southbourne including Hengistbury Head where he planned to build a castle for himself. Instead he had to make do with renting Highcliffe Castle.
He died in poverty in 1947 and is buried in Highcliffe churchyard.
To find the grave walk though the Highcliffe Castle grounds to the main road and turn right. The church is on the left opposite the original Adam gatehouses. Â Gordon Selfridge is buried by the fence on the right hand side of the wide avenue path.
See pages 49-53 & 67-9.
