Probate documents have now revealed details of how the retail mogul wanted his estate divided.

17:58, Wed, Jul 22, 2026 Updated: 18:02, Wed, Jul 22, 2026

Bernard Lewis pictured with his wife Vanessa AT Henry & Henry Jewellery Brand Launch

Bernard Lewis pictured with his wife Vanessa (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Henry & Henry)

The founder of one of the UK's best-known high street fashion chains left behind an estate worth £40million when he died earlier this year at the age of 100. Probate documents have now revealed details of River Island retail mogul Bernard Lewis' will, setting out how he wanted his estate to be divided.

Mr Lewis died on February 28, having become a prominent figure in Britain's fashion retail industry. He is survived by his wife Vanessa, four sons Leonard, Clive, Sam and Jake, and daughter Caroline. Documents detailing Mr Lewis' estate show it was valued at "£40,399,022 and the net value amounts to £37,047,55". The paperwork also reveals that he left his share of the family home, together with all of his personal belongings, to his wife. The will also contained a declaration explaining why some of his children had not been left a larger share of his estate.

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People walk past a River Island fashion retail store in Oxford Street

River Island was founded by Bernard Lewis in 1948 (Image: Getty Images)

It stated: "I wish my children Leonard Richard Lewis ('Leonard'), Clive and Caroline Jane Grainge ('Caroline') to know that the reason I have not left them a greater part of my estate is not from any want of affection by me for them but purely because I have otherwise provided for them during my lifetime."

Following his death, a River Island spokesperson told Drapers in March: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bernard Lewis, one of the great pioneers of British retail, at the age of 100.

"Bernard's life was defined by hard work, innovation and an unwavering commitment to the business he built from the ground up."

Born in London in 1926, Mr Lewis began his business career by opening a greengrocer in 1946.

He later moved into fashion retail, opening a womenswear outlet in Hackney before expanding with further stores and eventually relaunching the brand as Chelsea Girl.

River Island handbag in store

Bernard Lewis took a risk by moving into fashion retail and opening a womenswear store in Hackney (Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

The business branched out into menswear during the 1980s before undergoing another rebrand, which saw River Island emerge as a new unisex retail brand.

The company opened its first overseas stores in 1993 and was also among the earliest brands to begin trading online.

By 2004, River Island had grown to 220 stores and recorded a turnover of £540million, while also being crowned Multiple of the Year at the Drapers Awards.

The following year, Mr Lewis received a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contributions.