About John Wheeley Lea
Lived 1791 – 1874 (aged 82). John Wheeley Lea was a British chemist, known for Lea & Perrins.
John Wheeley Lea (1792 - March 23 1874) 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 (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.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in John Wheeley Lea's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped John Wheeley Lea's
Frequently asked questions
Who was John Wheeley Lea?
British druggist and sauce manufacturer
When was John Wheeley Lea born?
John Wheeley Lea was born on 8 May 1791 in Feckenham.
When did John Wheeley Lea die?
John Wheeley Lea died on 23 March 1874 in Worcester.
What was John Wheeley Lea's occupation?
John Wheeley Lea was a chemist.
What was John Wheeley Lea known for?
John Wheeley Lea was known for Lea & Perrins.
What nationality was John Wheeley Lea?
John Wheeley Lea was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Wheeley Lea. https://biography.guide/john-wheeley-lea/
MLA: "John Wheeley Lea." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-wheeley-lea/.
Chicago: "John Wheeley Lea." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-wheeley-lea/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence
Page generated 2026-09-27 04:59 UTC