Last weekend was open house. An event where 700 buildings open their doors to the public for free. Some only accessible during this weekend.Among those I chose to visit was the apothecaries livery hall. A chance to see a wonderful example of 17th century architecture and style.
The society began life with the guild of pepperers in 1180 as spice traders. This became grocers around 1428 trading in everything from spice to perfume, wines herbs and drugs.
A rivalry existed for many years between the apothecaries and physicians over the entitlement to prepare and sell anything intended for medicinal purposes.
Eventually James VI gave the apothecaries their own charter in 1617. They split from the grocers and became what is known these days as pharmacists.
