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| Granted 12 December 1617 by William Camden, Clarenceux King of Arms. | ||
History:
The site of the Hall, which formerly belonged to Lady Howard of Effingham, was purchased in 1632. The
building was destroyed in the Great Fire and reconstructed in 1668 by Thomas Locke. The premises
exist almost unchanged today, apart from some modifications in 1779 and 1927. Inside there is a fine
panelled Court Room. There are portraits of James I and Charles I, a sketch of John Hunter by Reynolds
and a bust of Gideon de Laune, apothecary to James I, who died in 1659, father of 37 children.
Other fine features are the 1671 banisters and an ormolu candelabrum of 1736. The dining
capacity is about 150.
Web site: www.apothecaries.org
For current contact details please go to
The Livery Companies Database, which can be found on The Fishmongers' Company's website.
Apothecaries were members of the Grocers but their specialised training and knowledge caused them
to break away. They received their first Charter in 1617. Their powers were steadily extended
into the realm of surgeons and physicians. Since 1815 those who pass the LMSSA examinations
are fully qualified as general practitioners. Specialist diplomas were added later. The retailing
of drugs has been given up. The Livery of over 1,000 is almost entirely
composed of medical
professionals. William and John Hunter, Jenner, pioneer of the smallpox vaccination, Sir
Humphrey Davy, inventor of the safety lamp, Oliver Goldsmith, Oliver Cromwell and John Keats were members.
Last updated 4 January 2005