The Elliman family moved to Buckingham Place, Slough around 1845. James Elliman Senior set up a drapery business (selling cloth and clothing) and here he developed his now famous embrocation.

Ellimans Embrocation was first sold in 1847 and by 1850 was widely advertised as a rub for sprained and tired muscles - for humans and animals! James Elliman Junior took over the business in 1870 when his father died. In 1882 he opened a new factory situated in Chandos Street (now replaced by Chandos Mall in Queensmere shopping Centre) and the business grew and grew.

By 1911 the embrocation was being exported to 42 countries!

Victorian Medicines
In early Victorian times medicine was very unlike the hospitals and doctors we know now. Most medicines were potions made from natural products like herbs and plants, even poisons like arsenic and mercury. A 'change of air' was one popular remedy suggested by doctors for all sorts of illnesses. Like most families of the time, the Elliman family had favourite recipes and remedies for common illnesses and ailments, handed down from generation to generation and often kept as a family secret.

Did you know??
Before James Elliman started his successful business, he made the embrocation just for friends and relatives who were in need.