Jeyes Past and Present
Jeyes, has been a name linked with pharmacy for more than 300 years. Philadelphus Jeyes was one of Northamptonshire's best known chemists with traditional remedies for man and beast! Who could survive without a dose of Jeyes 'Vigor Tonic' to cure "low spirits and a fagged brain!" and for Jack Jeyes, pharmacist and huntsman, a "cough Electuary" for horses!
In 1878 the brother of Philadelphus, John, patented Jeyes Fluid, making Jeyes a world famous household name - the disinfectant is still produced and used worldwide to this day. We would like to think we try to maintain the Jeyes family motto found on the crest -
'Tenex et fidelis' ('Tenacious and Faithful')
From the 1881 Jeyes' Household Almanack price 3d. we have found this enigma
Two EE's and an S, and a Y and a J,
Transpose, if you will, and then you will say,
You've found an Inventor who found out the way
To purify, cleanse, and preserve from decay
On the Square, in Earls Barton, a village just outside Northampton, there had been a village chemist at no 27 since the early 1900s. He would cure all ills for 2 bob, as the dentist he would pull out teeth for a tanner, as the vet, put cats and dogs to sleep for a few coppers - his wife ran The Post Office here too. It was not until 1981 that the Jeyes family returned to its roots when David Jeyes, with his wife Georgina, re-established a traditional community pharmacy in the village of Earls Barton.
The Keepsake Gift Centre
Situated on the tree-lined Square, overlooking the famous Saxon tower (circa 970AD) of All Saints Church, the pharmacy has grown into a thriving chemist, gift and toy centre with two doll's house shops. Although it was a blow to the village when the Nat West Bank next door closed it was an opportunity for David and Georgina to buy the bank creating the aptly named 'Keepsake' Gift Store. 'The Apothocoffee Shop', a name created from apothecary/pot of coffee/shop, is renowned for delicious country cream teas and lunches with the walled garden for sunny days. There are Museums and Miniature Exhibitions too.
The Apothocoffee Shop
Every inch of Jeyes at 26, 27, 28 The Square, upstairs, downstairs, gardens and patios have been used to create a rather special place to visit not only for shopping but to indulge in a little nostalgia at the same time.
The Market Harborough Building Society
We cannot forget to mention The Market Harborough Building Society tucked away in a corner amidst the toys and books. With the unfortunate demise of the national banks in the village, David and Georgina became the only chemist in the country to open an agency for a building society, realising the importance of providing a financial services lifeline for villages and rural communities. They were interviewed on radio, television, featured in articles in national newspapers and were thrilled to find themselves a question in the board game 'Trivial Pursuit'.
Can you guess what a Northamptonshire chemist sells along side the durex and disprin? Answer - Mortgages!) Trivial Pursuits 1997
The last few years have seen the exciting development of The Dolly Lodge, The Dolly Lodge Den, The Teddy Bear Kingdom, The Doll Collection and The Dolly Lodge Book Nook. Customers often ask about the future "You'll be taking over the butchers next!" they joke. We are not standing still however, our new 'baby' is the launch of "dollylodge.com." for mail order.
Back in 1635, when the first Philadelphus Jeyes qualified as a pharmacist, who could have imagined that in 2004 his pharmacist descendant, David, would be selling products 'on-line' by 'e-commerce' accepting payment by 'credit card' using a 'website' on a 'computer'! 'Time', as they say, 'moves on!' An old Philadelphus Jeyes invoice for £2.3.2d dated Sept 3rd 1913 states "Our Mr. Ward will have the pleasure of waiting upon you on Monday next, when the favour of your commands will be much esteemed". We will endeavour to uphold the family tradition of good, helpful and obliging service.
Earls Barton
EARLS BARTON, known before 600AD as Bereton, receives many visitors each year from all over the world to see the Saxon Tower of All Saints Church 970AD. Local volunteers provide a 'Church Watch' from Easter to late October, ensuring that the church is open mornings (10.30am - 12.30pm) and afternoons (2pm-4pm) subject to church services. If you would like to visit during the winter months or need a guide for a group it can be arranged with pleasure.
From the 13thC shoes were made in Earls Barton with leathers from Northampton - since that time shoe-making has been part of village life. 'Barkers' is a well-known name for quality shoes and has a factory shop open Monday - Saturday 10.30am-4pm.
Earls Barton's traditional recipe of "pork and leek" pie is represented in the welcoming village sign - you may well meet a "Barton Leek" face to face as that is how someone actually born in the village is known.
All Saint's Church, Earls Barton (Circa 970AD)
Jeyes Pharmacy Memorabilia Display
A display of Jeyes Pharmacy Memorabilia bringing back memories of old lotions and potions!. "If it wasn't for Jeyes I'd probably be dead now as my mother purchased a sunray lamp in 1947 to bring me back to good health" writes Penny from MSW Australia.
Over the years customers have donated medicines, bottles, even a Jeyes porcelain "automatic" toilet paper dispenser, for our collection. Alan Burman, a local historian, remembered the excellent photographic department of Philadelphus Jeyes and kindly donated his collection of original flashbulbs. We are still searching so any pharmacy treasure found lurking in the back of a cupboard will find a good home here with David and Georgina's display.
There is no charge to visit the Museum and Exhibitions - we are just pleased that visitors take the time to come and explore all the nooks and crannies here at Jeyes, on The Square, Earls Barton.
Whatever your reason for finding yourself looking at dollylodge.com or pottyaboutflowers.co.uk we hope you have enjoyed our story and we hope one day you may pay us a visit - you will receive a warm, friendly welcome.
