R. J. Lea
of Broughton Lane, Manchester.
Brands included; Chairman, Boardman and Golden Knight
1865 Founded by Robert John Lea
1872 R. J. Lea, tobacconist, Market-street.[1]
1909 Incorporated as a private Limited Company.
1913 Advertising Chairman Cigarettes.[2]
1914 Tobacco Manufacturers, "Chairman" Factory, Broughton Lane, Manchester. Established about 1850 by R. J. Lea (d.). The business was held in trust for members of the family. Incorporated as a private Limited Company in 1909. Directors: W. R. Allen (Chairman), J. N. Allen, R. L. Allen and S. C. Peacock. Probably the makers of the first well-known tobacco mixture, under the name of "Boardman's," which is still sold wherever English is spoken. Now also general manufacturers of Cigarettes, &c. Premises: Well equipped Factory, fitted with up-to-date appliances, also apparatus owned and used exclusively by them. Also Stores, &c. Branches: Manchester, 45, Market Street, Piccadilly, Market Place and Oxford Street; Blackpool, Talbot Square. Specialities: High-class Tobaccos and Cigarettes; Blends of the principal mixtures are secret.
1915 'S. C. Peacock, Director of the firm of R. J. Lea, Ltd'[3]
1919 Share issue. Directors are Samuel Colborne Peacock, Robert Lea Allen, Guy Allen, Frank Dunkerley Holland. 'The business was established nearly seventy years ago by the late Mr R. J. Lea at Market Place, Manchester...upon Mr. Lea's death the management of the business devolved upon the late Mr. W. R. Allen who together with his brother the late Mr. J. N. Allen...' [4]
1935 R. J. Lea, tobacco manufacturers report losses. Have sold Reddish factory and leased premises at Pollard Street, Manchester.[5]