Apothecaries' Hall, London facts for kids
Apothecaries' Hall is a very old and important building in London. It's known as a Grade I listed building, which means it's super special and protected because of its history and beauty. This amazing place is the main home for the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London. This Society is one of the many livery companies in the City of London. These companies are like ancient clubs or guilds for people who worked in certain jobs. The Society of Apothecaries is one of the biggest, with over 1,600 members in 2012!
What is Apothecaries' Hall?
This historic building was once part of a large monastery called the Dominican priory of Black Friars. Before the Society bought it in 1632, it was known as Cobham House. The Society of Apothecaries is a very old group. They used to train people to be apothecaries, which were like early pharmacists and doctors.
A Building Reborn
Sadly, the first building was completely destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. This huge fire burned down much of the city. But the Society didn't give up! A brand new hall was built on the very same spot. It was finished in 1672, designed by Edward Jerman.
Making Medicines for Many
When the new hall was built, it included a special area called an "Elaboratory." This was a place where medicines were made on a large scale for the first time ever! From 1672 all the way until 1922, the Society made many different medicinal and pharmaceutical products right there at the Hall. They even sold some of their products from a shop that opened onto Water Lane, which is now called Blackfriars Lane. Many of the medicines they made were for important customers. These included the Navy, the Army, the East India Company, and even the Crown Colonies (places ruled by Britain).
A Lasting Legacy
In the 1780s, the Hall had a big makeover. It was restored and some parts of the building were changed on the outside. Even though it had more work done in the 1980s, the way it looks today hasn't changed much since the late 1700s. Apothecaries' Hall is the oldest surviving livery hall in the City of London. The way the Great Hall, Court Room, and Parlour are arranged on the first floor is still the same as when they were rebuilt between 1668 and 1670.
