A rare autobiographical manuscript by Bridport’s celebrated Dr. Giles Roberts (1766–1834) has been secured for the county’s archives by Dorset History Centre (DHC), in partnership with Bridport Museum.
The 1799 volume, ‘Short Narrative of the Life of Giles Lawrence Roberts M.D’. (written by Himself), offers a unique insight into the life of the man behind the famous “Poor Man’s Friend” ointment – a patent medicine that brought Roberts national and international fame.
Purchased at London’s Forum Auctions with generous funding from the Friends of the Nations’ Libraries, the manuscript recounts Roberts’ early life, scientific interests, and strong religious convictions. Born in 1766 to a naval gunner, Roberts overcame childhood illnesses, including smallpox and rickets, to pursue a passion for science.
After training in Bristol, Roberts returned to Bridport to practice as an apothecary among the town’s poorer residents. His faith also played a central role in his life; he obtained a licence to preach and delivered more than 120 sermons across the West Country.
An important addition to Dorset’s Heritage
The manuscript will be preserved at Dorset History Centre in Dorchester for public access and research. In the future, it will be exhibited in Bridport, and a digital copy will be supplied to Bridport Museum for volunteers to work on.
Sam Johnston, Service Manager at Dorset History Centre, said:
“This manuscript is a remarkable piece of Dorset’s history. It provides a first-hand account of the life and work of Dr. Giles Roberts, whose contributions to medicine and the local community were significant. We’re thrilled to make this resource available for future generations.”
Michelle Caesar, Manager of Bridport Museum, added:
“We are absolutely delighted that Dorset History Centre has been able to acquire this autobiographical tract about famous Bridport resident Dr Giles Roberts for the people of Bridport and the wider county. Bridport Museum looks forward to making it available for visitors.”
The volume is an important addition to our understanding of this key Bridport figure as he details key parts of his early life and influences.
You can learn more about Dr. Roberts and his famous ointment, the “Poor Man’s Friend” in the engaging display at the Bridport Museum on South Street. Bridport Museum is also transcribing and digitising Dr. Robert’s diaries and looking for volunteers to help with this. You can get involved by visiting the Bridport Museum website: www.bridportmuseum.co.uk/get-involved/volunteer/
