Thomas Ridgway
Thomas Ridgway (1802-1885) of Ridgways, 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. The new business, The Tea Establishment (Ridgway and Company) of King William Street, London, imported tea, coffee and spices, later specialising in tea. Its success enabled Ridgway to repay his creditors.
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.
1864 Married in Liverpool to Cordelia Dawbarn (1818–1909)
1871 Living at Elm Lodge, Daventry Road, Towcester: Thomas Ridgway (age 69 born Lymm, Cheshire), Retired Tea Merchant. With his wife Cordelia Ridgway (age 51 born Liverpool). Six servants.[1]
1876 Queen Victoria requested a blend for her personal use.
1881 Living at Elm Lodge, Daventry Road, Towcester: Thomas Ridgway (age 79 born Lymm, Cheshire), Retired Tea merchant. With his wife Cordelia Ridgeway (age 62 born Liverpool). Six servants.[2]
1885 August 20th. Died.
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.
In 1998, Premier Brands relaunched the Ridgways brand, stressing the continuing Royal Warrant and a commitment to Fairtrade ethical standards.