BLISTS HILL VICTORIAN PHARMACY IS LOCATION
FOR BBC DOCUMENTARY STARTING 15TH JULY
The pharmacy at Blists Hill Victorian Town, the open-air museum in the Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire was used as a location for a fascinating and informative series starting on BBC2 this Thursday evening, 15th July at 9pm. ‘Victorian Pharmacy’ takes a look at the dynamic world of the pharmacy from the beginning of Queen Victoria’s reign in 1837 right through to her death in 1901.
The 4x60-minute historical observational documentary series follows a unique experiment, with historian Ruth Goodman, Professor Nick Barber and PhD student Tom Quick recreating an authentic 19th-century pharmacy. They look at the weird and wonderful remedies used in the Victorian era, such as leeches, oil of earthworm and potions laced with cannabis and opium. After sampling some of the old ways, the team ventures into new discoveries, such as the Malvern water cure, the bronchial kettle for curing coughs, and the invention of Indian tonic water. Later in the series they also look at the role of pharmacists in developing everything from custard powder and Worcester Sauce to matches, fireworks, disinfectant and aspirin.
Viewers inspired by the documentary can see the pharmacy first hand and learn more about traditional remedies at Blists Hill, courtesy of costumed residents in the recreated Victorian town.
Visit the BBC website for details about the programme and to watch it on the BBC iPlayer.
|
