John Wheeley Lea

John Wheeley Lea was an English chemist, mayor, and co-founder of Lea & Perrins. Along with William Henry Perrins, Lea invented 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. 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.
He was elected Mayor of Worcester in 1835, and served again from 1849 to 1850. Lea was also an alderman in 1864. He died of acute dyspepsia on 23 March 1874 at Stanfield House, Upper Wick, Worcestershire, and was buried in the family tomb at St Peter's, Powick.