John Wheeley Lea

John Wheeley Lea (8 May 1791 in Feckenham, Worcestershire – 23 March 1874 in Worcester, Worcestershire) was an English pharmacist and sauce manufacturer.

Born on a farm with three brothers and four sisters, Lea wanted to be a chemist from a young child. In 1823 he partnered with William Henry Perrins, opening a drug store in Worcester, and in 1837 they began selling the Lea & Perrins brand of Worcestershire sauce.

Lea was also an alderman and was elected mayor of Worcester in 1834 but 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.