9 February 2026

The history of London’s oldest pharmacy

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Each city has its own unique, sometimes scary, but interesting history of medical development. Of course, it is difficult to imagine for a modern person the unsanitary conditions and epidemics that raged in London hundreds of years ago. However, we want to, at least, get acquainted with the history. DR Harris & Co is a London landmark and the oldest working pharmacy. It combines the sale of modern products with the presentation of unique manufacturing methods and technologies used in the past. Moreover, pharmacy workers develop natural care products that have become popular in different countries of the world. It is a must-see location in London. Learn more at ilondon.info.

The interesting creation history 

The history of DR Harris & Co pharmacy began in 1790. Initially, it was called Harris’s Apothecary because the creation idea belonged to London surgeon Henry Harris. Later, Henry’s cousin, chemist and perfumer Daniel Rotely, joined the case. Since then, it has become a family business that continues to develop and enrich the range of its products till nowadays.

Pharmacy’s features and unique products

This place doesn’t look like a pharmacy because it resembles a store of natural cosmetics. Its main features are traditional production technologies and quality, tested by many generations of its customers. Inside, you immerse in the atmosphere of vintage furniture and various containers in the old British style. You immediately feel that this place is imbued with sophistication and elegance. This is a kind of time machine that transports everyone to the era of young ladies walking under umbrellas and gentlemen challenging each other to a duel, competing for girls’ hearts. The perfumes created here can tell stories. There is even a legend that the famous Pick-Me-Up Hangover Cure was Oscar Wilde’s favourite fragrance. Alas, this perfume is no longer produced. However, visitors can find many other interesting, original and truly unique products on the old shelves.

The historical charm is not the only aspect that encourages you to visit this place, as it is popular all over the world for its beauty products. Initially, the founders created only men’s products and their regular customers were respectable gentlemen who held the highest titles in Great Britain. Sandalwood shaving soap is one of the most popular here. Traditional manufacturing techniques (when soap is crushed several times and turned over from time to time in order to make a thin product with carefully mixed ingredients) allow you to create phenomenal foam and turn the sometimes unpleasant process into a pleasure. Moreover, it is sold in a bowl made of mahogany, which is a nice little bonus that will complement the interior of the bathroom. Here, you can also buy chrome replaceable cartridges that suit modern razor models. In general, all products are made from natural ingredients.

However, the main thing customers are attracted by is the company’s eco-friendly policy. Its products are not tested on animals and the containers are made from natural or recyclable materials. The pharmacy cooperates with several companies that dispose of expired products safely. Also, pharmacy representatives offer visitors to refill their empty bottles with its products.

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