The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries

The Society of Apothecaries is a Livery Company of the City of London. It derives its membership from the medical and pharmacy professions

The Livery Companys originated in the City’s medieval trade guilds. The Society’s roots are with the Grocers’ Company in the 12^th Century. Gaining independence as the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries in 1617, the Society over the next century changed its scope towards medicine, with Apothecaries becoming family doctors by the early 18^th Century, with the Society becoming the licensing body for “general practitioners” in the 19^th Century.

From the late 17^th Century the Society was also a centre for the manufacture and sale of medicinal products, with a shop at the Hall until 1922, when manufacture ceased. Today, the shop has been remodelled as the Society’s Champagne Bar.

The Society’s charitable purpose is delivered through the Centre for Health Studies. This holds postgraduate diploma courses in the history of medicine, philosophy of medicine and conflict and catastrophe medicine, and offers diploma examinations in five further subjects. We are able to offer these globablly through our online platform.

We support medical and pharmacy students in England and Wales through our grant support programme, and in 2024 supported 88 students in completing their studies.

The society continues its professional membership, with members drawn principally from the medical and pharmacy professions, and who are registered with the GMC, GPC or overseas equivalent. Centre for Health Studies membership is open to all.

Throughout the year, there are academic and social activities, with open lectures, courses, examinations, fine dining, and a social programme of external events.  Something for everyone to explore and enjoy, maintaining the Society’s traditional place as the City’s meeting place for the medical professions.