Our heritage
We trace our origins back to 1841, when a group of chemists and druggists founded the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. Their aim was to advance the science and practice of pharmacy, strengthen professional standards, and promote the safe preparation and use of medicines. Over time, the organisation became a centre for professional leadership and scientific exchange, helping shape the development of pharmacy across Great Britain.
In 2026, following a historic vote by members, the organisation became the Royal College of Pharmacy and a registered charity. This was to reflect the evolving role of pharmacy and strengthen its position as the profession’s leadership body.
The Royal College of Pharmacy museum
Established in 1842, a year after our founding, our museum is a unique resource for anyone interested in the history of British pharmacy.
You can visit our museum at 66 East Smithfield, London, E1W 1AW every Monday to Friday, from 9am until 5pm to walk through our fascinating exhibits in person.
Many of our collections and exhibitions are also available online. Discover our online museum to find out more about pharmacy’s long — and often strange — history.
A brief history of the Royal College of Pharmacy
In its early years in the mid 19th Century, the Pharmaceutical Society helped establish the foundations of modern pharmacy. It supported the development of pharmacy education, promoted scientific research, and helped define standards for professional practice and medicines preparation.
As pharmacy practice evolved, so did the role of our organisation. It supported pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists through professional leadership, guidance and collaboration across the health system, helping advance pharmacy practice and promote the safe and effective use of medicines.
A significant milestone came in 2025, when members voted in favour of changes to the Royal Charter to enable the organisation to become the Royal College of Pharmacy and a registered charity. The transition reflected the evolving role of pharmacy and strengthened the organisation’s position as the professional leadership body for pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists.
More about our milestones
Over two centuries, key moments have shaped the organisation and the profession. Explore the milestones below to learn more.
On 15 April 1841, a group of chemists and druggists met at the Crown and Anchor Tavern in London to establish the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, aiming to advance pharmacy practice and strengthen professional standards.
In 1843, the Society received a Royal Charter recognising its role in advancing chemistry and pharmacy, promoting education, and supporting professional standards.
The Society established a School of Pharmacy, laboratory, library and museum to support the training of pharmacists and advance scientific knowledge. These early educational initiatives helped shape pharmacy as a recognised profession.
The Pharmacy Act introduced a register of Pharmaceutical Chemists and recognised those who had passed the Society’s examinations. This was an important step towards regulating the profession and improving standards of practice.
In 1988, the organisation received the title Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, recognising its long-standing contribution to pharmacy and healthcare.
The Society launched MedicinesComplete, providing online access to key pharmaceutical reference works including The BNF and Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference. A Supplemental Royal Charter was also granted in the same year.
In 2010 the Society transferred its regulatory functions to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). This change allowed the organisation to focus fully on its role as the professional leadership body for pharmacists in England, Scotland and Wales.
The Society expanded its role in supporting the profession through initiatives including the establishment of the RPS Faculty (2013), the consultant pharmacist credentialing programme (2020), national vision reports for the future of pharmacy (2021–22), and the appointment of His Majesty The King as Patron (2024).
Following a historic vote by members, the organisation updated its Royal Charter and became the Royal College of Pharmacy and a registered charity, strengthening its role as the professional leadership body for pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists.
The Royal College of Pharmacy supports pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists across Great Britain, aspiring to be the world leader in the safe and effective use of medicines.
Further reading
Discover more about our journey to becoming a royal college.