Thomas Ridgway

Thomas Ridgway was an English trader who specialised in the import and sale of tea during the early 19th century.

His first shop was in the Bull Ring area of Birmingham; this went bankrupt, and he moved to London.

A Ridgway representative was among importers who met at the London Tavern in March 1851 to condemn the high price and the adulteration of coffee sold to "the lower class of consumer".

Ridgways became one of the first companies to sell tea hygienically pre-packed as a measure against adulteration.

In 1886 the House of Ridgway received a Royal Warrant for its development, and Her Majesty's Tea Blend (now called Her Majesty's Blend) is still sold today by Typhoo Tea.