Bedale Leech House

A 19th century leech jar.

The leeches were kept in special containers of moist turf and moss and a flow of fresh water from the Bedale Beck was diverted through the building.[8] A fireplace provided heat to ensure the containers and the leeches within did not freeze in winter.[4] Specialized and often very ornate 'Leech Jars' with a secure lid and small pierced air holes were used for the storage of leeches in the apothecary's shop. Feeding was not usually necessary as leeches can survive for lengthy periods, up to a year, between meals.[9]

The leeches were collected using either horses or, frequently, the legs of the leech collectors themselves. A leech was removed after it had taken a full meal of blood.[10] Bogs and marshes were the best collecting areas; the Lake District and Somerset Levels had particularly suitable sites. Women were particularly associated with collecting leeches and transporting them in small boxes or cages.[9][11] It was not until 1835 that a method of breeding medicinal leeches was perfected in France; however, the British showed little interest in this, even though the native stocks were in decline or nearing extinction.[2]

At Bedale, George Thornton was the leech gatherer who was employed by Mr. Bellamy a local pharmacist or apothecary.[12] Special pewter boxes were developed into which the leeches were placed once sold.[9]

The use of leeches in medicine reached a peak between 1825 and 1850 to the point that supplies became scarce[13] and a secure place to store them before use became desirable. By the 1900s the use of leeches in medicine had dramatically declined and the Bedale Leech House ceased to be used for their storage, though it survived until its restoration in 1985. In the same year as its restoration, it was noted by Historic England as being a grade II listed building.[14]