The Apothecary

Bringing Herbal History to Life...

At its heart, herbal medicine is folk medicine. Remedies would be crafted in the home to treat illness, injury and maintain the health of the family. People would often forage in their local environment for the plants they needed, or cultivate them in their gardens. Families would build up stores of herbs, plants and medicines for use, creating their own apothecary. Every healer would have an array of effective ingredients with which to craft their medicines.

When individuals became particularly knowledgeable, their wisdom was greatly valued by the local community, and sought by those from further afield. Even with the advent of what we we now consider modern allopathic medicine, people, especially in rural settlements would still prefer (or only be able to afford) to seek out those with herbal skills to treat their ailments and injuries, help them birth their babies, and look after their physical, mental, and even spiritual health and wellbeing.

There are many and diverse sources of herbal medicines and plant remedies in historical records, from ancient to modern sources, and it is from these that The Historical Herbalists have drawn inspiration.

£400 (A £275 Half day rate is available within Scotland) + travel costs

Living History events

Our full set-up includes period tent/s and authentic living history encampment, up to 3 authentically costumed reenactors and of course, our unique, interactive herbal apothecary featuring a wide variety of plants and herbs, and reproduced examples of traditional remedies and medicines of the era.

We also offer crafting activities, workshops, talks, demonstrations including live recreations of historical herbal medicine-making, to suit all ages. We may also have small batch plant-based products available for sale.

Our knowledgeable, experienced Historical Herbalists have thrilled and inspired visitors of all ages.

Our most popular displays include Romano-British, Viking Age, Late Medieval, and 18th Century/Jacobite.

We can accommodate most eras or themes, so please get in touch to chat about your requirements!