Rimmington Pharmacy Timeline - Bradford, UK
Posted by: 
dtrebilc
N 53° 47.612 W 001° 45.190
30U E 582131 N 5961271
This timeline gives the history of a pharmacy that was established in 1842 and apart from a few years around the year 2000 has remained an independent pharmacy.
Waymark Code: WMWQND
Location: Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 10/03/2017
Views: 4
The shop had been independent for more than 150 years, until it was finally sold to a chain of pharmacists. It was sold on to a national chain after eight years.
In 2010 two local chemists who had trained at Bradford University wanted to set up their own business, and wanted a traditional style of Pharmacy. They approached the national chain, who sold them the premises because it had not been doing as much business as they had hoped.
The 2 partners have restored the signage and interiors to the original style, and have even started selling some original products.
The shop has two entrances. The main one is on Bridge Street, but they also have an entrance on Ivegate where there are consultancy rooms.
The Timeline
Preserve our heritage - sign your prescription here today!
"History with its flickering lamp stumbles along the trail of the past, trying to reconstruct its scenes, to revive its echoes, and kindle with pale gleams the passion of former days" Winston Churchill.
1842
After working for Queen Victoria's personal chemist Rimmington sets up pharmacy shop on Ivegate in the centre of Bradford.
1858
Rimmington investigates the 'Humbug Billy' poisoning case after 20 die and hundreds become ill eating sweets sold to a stall in Green Market. Rimmington established that the lozenges contained arsenic instead of 'daft', the usual bulking agent. Subsequent clues led to a conclusion of human error.
1862
Rimmington writes to the Bradford Observer to warn ladies of poisonous dresses made from Tarlatan, a material dyed green with arsenic and copper.
1868
Partly as a result of Rimmington's various investigations, the new Pharmacy Act is passed.
1874
Rimmington is awarded the prestigious title of Borough Analyst by the Local Government Board. He is also made a Fellow of the Chemical Society (F.C.S.)
1875
Rimmington's Pharmacy moves to its present position on Bridge Street. To this day some of the original fixtures and fittings remain.
1875 onwards
Rimmington helps the local authorities enforce the 1875 Sale of Food and Drugs Act, which makes illegal the unadvertised adulteration of food and drugs to increase profits. Rimmington is sent samples to examine. Some of his findings include watered-down milk, treacle sold as cider, butterless 'butter' and lead used in food colouring.
1888
A gruesome 'Jack the Ripper' style murder is discovered in Bradford when 8 year old John Gill is found horribly mutilated. The police and press quickly jump on similarities to the murders in Whitechapel and a suspect is questioned after Rimmington searches nearby drains and sewers for evidence and examines the boy's stomach contents. Despite a suspect being arrested, no definitive conclusion is ever reached.
1897
Rimmington dies and is buried at Undercliffe cemetery. The pharmacy is run by his son George until the Hirst family take over in the 1940's and return it to its former Victorian glory.
Present Day...
Rimmington's celebrates 175 years in business. Other Bradford icons such as Busby's, Brown Muffs and Fattorinis have disappeared, Rimmington's story continues through your PRESCRIPTION, your SUPPORT, your PASSION!
Your prescription - We collect - We deliver - Everyday
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