Alexander Barclay (apothecary) facts for kids
Alexander Barclay was an important person in Edinburgh, Scotland, a long time ago, from about 1565 to 1608. He was an apothecary, which was like a pharmacist and a doctor all rolled into one. Apothecaries in those days made and sold medicines, and sometimes even sweet treats!
Barclay was very important because he provided medicines for the Scottish royal family. This included King James VI of Scotland and his wife, Queen Anne of Denmark. He also worked with their doctors, like John Naysmyth, Gilbert Primrose, and Martin Schöner.
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Becoming a Royal Apothecary
Alexander Barclay became an official apothecary and a "burgess" of Edinburgh in 1570. Being a burgess meant he was a respected citizen of the town with special rights. His father, George Barclay, was also a burgess.
In 1577, King James VI officially appointed Alexander Barclay as his personal apothecary. This was a big deal! He received a yearly payment of £50 Scots for his important work.
What He Supplied
Barclay supplied many different things to the royal family.
- He provided medicines, oils, and special plasters. For example, in 1601, he gave King James VI plasters and oils when the King hurt his arm.
- He also supplied medicines for Queen Anne of Denmark and their son, Prince Charles.
- In 1602, he was paid a large sum of £388 Scots for all the medicines he had given to the King.
Barclay didn't just sell medicines. He also sold sweet treats! The family of William Douglas of Lochleven bought boxes of "wet and dry confections" from him. Sometimes, these sweets were even eaten because people thought they had medicinal benefits.
He also supplied special items for royal events. In 1598, for a big dinner for the Queen's brother, Ulrik, Duke of Holstein, Barclay made "vergeis" (a sour liquid) and perfumed rose water.
Important Royal Events
Alexander Barclay was present at very important royal moments.
- In 1594, he was called to Stirling Castle to attend Queen Anne of Denmark when she gave birth to her son, Prince Henry. He was there with other important doctors and surgeons.
- Because of his important role as the King and Queen's apothecary, he received a special privilege in 1597. He was allowed to bring goods into the country without paying certain taxes.
Barclay also supplied medicines for the King's daughter, Princess Margaret, and even provided materials for her embalming after she passed away.
His Apprentices
Like many skilled workers, Barclay had apprentices who learned from him. One of his apprentices was Thomas Adamson from Kelso, who started learning in 1597.
Alexander Barclay passed away sometime before 1608. He followed in the footsteps of other royal apothecaries, like John Mosman, who worked for earlier Scottish monarchs.
Family Life
Alexander Barclay was married twice. His first wife was Janet Auchmowtie, who died in 1571. He then married Margaret Henderson.
- They had a daughter who married a well-known academic named Henry Charteris.
