Ye Oldest Chymist Shoppe
In the historic market town of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, you'll find the picturesque listed building which was first used as a pharmacy in around 1720. Today we still sell the Lavender Water originally made by Mrs Lawrence, wife of one of the Chemists but we are more renowned for our luxurious handmade chocolates, old fashioned sweets and toffees, jams and preserves. Step inside to see our shelves bursting with a range of delightful gifts and confectionery.
History
The Oldest Chemist Shop first opened its doors as a pharmacy in 1720 during the reign of King George I, when John Beckwith was the apothecary. However, the listed building complete with oak beams and quaint rooms dates back even further to medieval times. Situated in the market square, it is right in the heart of the town.
The most well known Chemists were W P Lawrence and his son Edmund who ran the pharmacy from 1884 until 1965, and Mrs Lawrence, wife of W P Lawrence, who used to bottle her own Lavender Water. Today our shelves are stocked with confectionery, teas, jams, preserves and gifts but we still sell Lavender Water, toiletries and herbal remedies, which entitles us to retain the title of Oldest Chemist Shop in England.