[1] Along with William Henry Perrins, Lea invented Worcestershire sauce.

In 1823, Lea and William Henry Perrins created the new condiment.

[citation needed] 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.

[5] 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.