Measham Lea 1869 - 1963

Measham Lea (A3/57 unconsecrated) was a renowned civil engineer who was involved in major engineering projects in England during the early 20th century, and important projects in Karachi, Pakistan which are still benefitting the residents of that city today.

He was born in Nantwich, Cheshire, the second of six children born to Measham Lea, a boiler maker, and Sarah Kiddie. He was educated at Crewe Technical School, and received a Whitworth Scholarship, an award for, ‘outstanding engineers, who have excellent academic and practical skills and the qualities needed to succeed in industry’. He trained under Francis William Webb, Chief Mechanical Engineer to the London and North West Railway. He spent four years with the London and North Western Railway, and projects that he worked on included the Kilsby Tunnel relining, Euston Station extension, Willesden Station remodelling, and various bridge works.

He was Deputy Borough Engineer in Crewe for four years and Chief Engineer in Truro for nine years, and took a leading role in major water, sewerage, road and harbour works.

From 1908 he was the Chief Engineer to the Municipality of Karachi, where he was in charge of drainage, water supply, road and general municipal works. He was involved in the development of the historic Dumlottee Wells, Karachi’s first water supply system. It was initially constructed in the 1880s, based on fifteen wells dug beside the Malir River. Measham Lea was the chief engineer for the second phase which commenced in 1923 and saw the establishment of additional wells, boosting the city’s water supply by 15 million gallons. The system is still in place, but is no longer in use. Lea Market in Karachi was built in 1927, and was named after him in recognition of his contribution to the development of the city.
Measham Lea was awarded the OBE for the work that he did in Karachi during the First World War – the city was a war and hospital base for the Mesopotamia Campaign, and a port of embarkation for East Africa and the various theatres of war in Europe.

Measham Lea married Annie Kingston in 1897 and they had three children, including Sir Frederick Lea CBE, who was also a notable engineer. Measham and Annie spent their later years living in Tunbridge Wells, at 71 Culverden Park.

With thanks to Muhammad Arif for providing information about Measham Lea..