William Rea

William Rea (1662–1750?) was a British ironmaster, owner or partner in many ironworks. Background He was born on 24 February 1662 and he may have been the son of Richard Rea, manager of the Foley family's steelworks in and about the Forest of Bob (the Forest Partnership). Ironmaster In the early 18th century he was the managing partner of the Foley steelworks from 1690 to 1725, and an important figure in coal iron production. In this role, he succeeded John Wheeler. He appears as a manager of Wilden Forge about 1692, and was managing some forges near the Forest of Dean for John Wheeler and Obadiah Lane from about 1701. It is thought that he was John Wheeler's chief clerk. After Wheeler's death, Rea married one of his daughters.