Marks and Spencer plc The clock mounted on the frontage of this store commemorates the centenary of the birth of Simon Marks, later Lord Marks of Broughton, who was born in Trafalgar Street Leeds on July 9th 1888. Lord Marks was chairman of Marks and Spencer from 1916 until his death in 1964. Simon Marks' father, Michael, founded the company in 1884 when he opened his first stall in Leeds Kirkgate Market.