Funds have been kicking about in one form or other since the mid-nineteenth century. However, the funds we talk about today are based on later American models. They first became really popular in the 1950s and 60s, when investors decided they needed clear and simple investment products.
Four decades later, and there are loads of fund providers, ranging from large international banks to small specialist investment houses - all offering a full range of funds covering a huge variety of sectors.
There are loads of different funds to choose from (so even someone very picky should find the perfect match).