A re-created Edwardian pharmacy where most medicines were made from plant materials and extracts
In the stone barn next to Millennium Square, you’ll find the Apothecary’s Hall, where you will see a range of ‘shop rounds’ containing tinctures, syrups and powders. These were chiefly used to produce pills, ointments and potions using the kind of mortars and balances that are on display. Compare the wide range of proprietary medicines, and their exaggerated claims, against the products of today.
Those of you who have studied a bit of Latin might also be interested in a rare chance to read a real prescription book, written in Latin.
Above the counter, you cannot miss the magic mirror. This unique look-back in time offers a series of short stories about an Edwardian apothecary and his apprentice. Each 3-4 minute vignette looks at different aspects of their work, with a Welsh language version following the spoken English version.
Next to the Apothecary’s Hall is an exhibition about how plants have been used to treat illnesses across the world.
At the far end of the Hall is a stitchwork display of plants that have been used to treat illness in Wales over thousands of years. This has been created by the Botanic Garden’s Stitching Botanical group.
When you come out of the exhibition, pop over to the Apothecary’s Garden next door where you can see many of the plants that are used to create pills and potions.