THE Worcester Journal edition of 250 years ago this week reveals the fascinating information that there was a druggist shop back then at almost the same location in Broad Street as occupied by Kitsons, chemists today!

The Journal of 1753 states: "Samuel Chavesse, druggist and chemist, is now removed to the late dwelling-house of Mr Alderman Parkes near the Bell Inn, Broad Street, Worcester, where he continues selling all sorts of drugs and chemical preparations, truly prepared at most reasonable prices. He also offers a quantity of fine Strasbourg, Holland, St Vincent and French snuffs which have just arrived and are sold as cheap as in London."

The same Journal edition of 1753 also carried news of a society wedding: "On Friday last was married at Witley Church (near the seat of the Right Hon. Lord Foley), the worthy Edmund Pytts Esq., Knight of the Shire of the County of Worcester, to the Right Hon. Anne, Countess Dowager of Coventry, of Holt Castle in the said county, a lady of most amiable character, with a very considerable fortune.

"She was the daughter of Sir Streynham Masters."