THOMAS Bartram, the founder of the popular Grace magazine, has died at the age of 96.

Mr Bartram, a consulting medical herbalist, died at his home in Boscombe on Wednesday. He was best known for his book The Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, which was his life’s work and took him 10 years to compile.

After 17 years’ service, Mr Bartram gave up his hospital career for alternative medicine.

For over 35 years he was in professional private practice as a consulting medical herbalist.

He served as a council member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists and of the Society of Herbalists.

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In 1958, he founded Gerard House, the internationally-known innovators of herbal medicine.

In 1960, Mr Bartram founded the Grace magazine, which is published in Boscombe and is a quarterly publication devoted to inspirational refreshment and healing by natural methods.

It enjoys worldwide circulation and receives many letters from readers.

His only son Roger said: “He never stopped working. He was getting ready to put together an anthology of something up until a month ago. He was dedicated to his vision.”

Other popular books published by Mr Bartram include Nature’s Plan for Your Health, which gives a complete guide to diet, therapy, exercise and lifestyle for total health and While the Kettle Boils, which includes the experiences and ideas of Grace readers’ letters over 40 years.

The funeral will take place at Richmond Hill St Andrew’s United Reformed Church on Thursday, January 15, at 12.30pm.

Refreshments will be served afterwards in the church lounge.