When we were in London, I also did research for my second novel, The Apothecary’s Daughter. While other tourists visited the London Eye or Buckingham Palace, I dragged my long-suffering husband to less-visited places like the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries and the Museum of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. While others snapped pictures of the changing of the guard, he tirelessly photographed ancient mortars and leech jars.
I am indebted to John Williams, Beadle of the Apothecaries’ Hall, for his gallant and informative tour and for sharing a history of which he is justifiably proud. He even donned his ceremonial gown covered with golden tassels, which represent the posies that beadles of old pinned on to ward off the odors of the plague years. I am also grateful to Julie Wakefield, Assistant Keeper of the Museum of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, who gave us a detailed, fascinating tour through the changing medical treatments from early to modern times.
Photos from the Apothecaries’ Hall
Additional Photos from Research for The Apothecary’s Daughter
Photos from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain