Pack of Fennings sulphur powders, cost 1/3d, by Alfred Fennings, 1940-1970

Fennings’ Sulphur powders were taken dry or with water as a treatment for constipation and piles and for threadworm – a worm that lives in the intestines and can cause unexplained weight loss and, more seriously, bacterial infections.

Alfred Fennings (d. 1900) opened his first shop – the Golden Key pharmacy – in London in 1840. Highly adept at advertising and marketing, he went on to create a very successful business producing a range of products which became popular ‘over the counter’ medicines bought by generations of shoppers. Although several Fennings’ products are still sold today, some of his earlier claims – including ‘cures’ for cholera and whooping cough – were highly dubious. On his death, trustees took over the running of the business and the profits went to a children’s charity. (Pictured here with other Fennings’ products).