A self-made man, company founder, merchant, philanthropist and yachtsman.
Born as Thomas Johnstone Lipton in Glasgow to Irish parents who has a small provisions shop. He opened his own shop and this grew into a chain across the UK. He then moved into the production and distribution of tea, targeting the untapped poor working class market.
A keen yachtsman, he repeatedly challenged the American holders of the America's Cup. He donated Lipton trophies to other sports including football and rowing.
Presenting himself as a 'ladies man', he never had a relationship with a woman, but lived with one of his early shop assistants, William Love, with whom he had a thirty-year relationship.
In 1892, after both his parents had died, he moved to , 151 Chase Side, Southgate, N14. He also began his philanthropic work, setting up the Alexandra Trust, with Queen Alexandra, which provided meals to London’s poor.
The Estate Agents, , have a good page of information about Lipton.
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