Giles Roberts: Bridport's 18th Century Medic Who Revolutionized Healing Remedies

In the quaint town of Bridport, a remarkable story unfolds from the 18th century, revolving around a man whose ingenuity and determination changed the landscape of local medicine. Giles Roberts, born on April 21, 1766, at the Ship Inn—now known as the Bridport Arms—began his life in a modest setting but would go on to leave an indelible mark on the town and beyond. Initially helping his parents run the family pub, Roberts harbored a passion for medicine that led him to navigate the uncharted waters of healthcare without formal qualifications. In 1788, he carved out a niche for himself as a chemist, obtaining a licence to perform a variety of medical procedures, including bloodletting, tooth extraction, and cauterising wounds. His efforts to serve the community proved fruitful, as local patients recognized his skills and rallied to fund his education at Guys and St Thomas's Hospitals in London in 1794. Upon his return, equipped with certificates that validated his practice as a surgeon, physician, and apothecary, Roberts silenced critics and established a laboratory in Bridport. It was here that he embarked on a scientific journey that would lead to the creation of his most famous product: the 'Poor Man's Friend.' Launched in 1798, this ointment was marketed with a flair that would be the envy of modern advertisers. Roberts boldly claimed that his concoction could cure a variety of ailments, including ulcerated legs, cuts, burns, scalds, and even sore eyes. His extravagant assertions, supported by a robust advertising campaign, earned the ointment a stellar reputation among generations of country folk who hailed it as "the most efficacious healing ointment known to man or beast." The recipe for the 'Poor Man's Friend,' which is preserved at the Bridport Museum, reveals a mixture that included pig fat, beeswax, and small amounts of lead, bismuth, and zinc oxide. Although modern pharmacists acknowledge that some ingredients, like zinc oxide and oils, possess antiseptic properties, the presence of lead and mercury would make such a product illegal today. Roberts’ legacy extended far beyond Bridport, as emigrants took the ointment to new lands. Today, people in Australia, South Africa, and Canada still unearth old pottery jars that once held the famed remedy. Following Roberts' death in 1834, his pharmacy was taken over by his apprentices, Beach and Barnicott, who continued to produce the ointment until 1903. Even after its production ceased, requests for the 'Poor Man's Friend' continued to trickle in from around the globe, a testament to its enduring popularity. Today, the town of Bridport remembers Giles Roberts not only as a pioneering figure in local medicine but also as a symbol of entrepreneurial spirit and community trust. His story, along with many others, is featured in the publication "Quirky Bridport," available at the Bridport Museum shop. The tale of the 'Poor Man's Friend' serves as a reminder of the blend of innovation, trust, and marketing genius that can create a legacy lasting well over a century.