Sir Herbert James Francis Parsons, (9 September 1870-2 February 1940) (known as Sir Herbert Parsons, 1st Baronet from 1918) was a manufacturing chemist and politician.
Born in South Norwood, he was the second son of George Henry Parsons and Ruth née Bridges. He intended to study medicine, but on his father's death in 1892 he entered the family business, Ashton & Parsons, along with his brother. The company manufactured "Phosferine Tonic", and later became Phosferine (Ashton & Parsons) Limited. He was also an underwriter at Lloyd's of London
He was the honorary colonel of 3rd London Regiment from 1911-23. He was knighted in 1912. Too old for active service, during the First World War he served in the Red Cross on the Western Front.
He was created a baronet "of Winton Lodge, in the County of Surrey" in August 1918 "for patriotic and public services" and for raising two battalions for service in the Great War
He died at his home, Winton Lodge, Streatham Common. His only son had died in the previous year and so the baronetcy became extinct.
Images includes Sir Herbert Parsons in hisDe Dion Bouton 4 ½ hp car outside the Ashton & Parsons offices in London.