John Wheeley Lea | |
|---|---|
 Lea painted in 1850 during his time as mayor | |
| Born | Feckenham, Worcestershire, England |
| Died | 23 March 1874 (aged 82) Worcester, Worcestershire, England |
| Occupation(s) | Pharmacist, manufacturer |
| Known for | Company and co-founder of Lea & Perrins |
| Mayor of Worcester | |
| In office 1835–1835 | |
| Mayor of Worcester | |
| In office 1849–1850 | |
John Wheeley Lea (died 23 March 1874) was an English chemist, mayor, and co-founder of Lea & Perrins.[1] Along with William Henry Perrins, Lea is notable for the invention of Worcestershire sauce.
Biography
Lea was born on a farm in Feckenham, Worcestershire, England.
In 1823, Lea and William Henry Perrins created the new condiment. After allowing it to mature for 18 months, they sampled it to find they enjoyed the flavor.[2] They established their pharmacy Lea & Perrins and in 1837 began selling their brand of Worcestershire sauce. By 1846, the condiment was advertised alongside various coffees and lotions.[3]
Lea was also an alderman.
Lea was elected Mayor of Worcester in 1835. He served again from 1849 to 1850.[4]
He served only three months in office. He died of acute dyspepsia (a fatal stomach disorder where the stomach cannot function properly) on 23 March 1874 at Stanfield House, Upper Wick, Worcestershire, and was buried in the family tomb at St Peter's, Powick.
Notes
- ↑ Room, Adrian. "Lea, John Wheeley". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/39632. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
- ↑ "Our Story - Lea & Perrins UK". www.leaandperrins.co.uk. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
- ↑ Dr. Lockon's Lotion for the growth of the hair: prepared by Lea et Perrins, chemists. Le Blond and Company print. 1846.
- ↑ "John Wheeley Lea (1791–1874), Mayor of Worcester (1835 & 1849–1850) | Art UK". artuk.org. Retrieved 5 August 2023.