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.