London rewards readers in every season. When autumn turns crisp and evenings draw in, the city’s book streets come alive. There are a few places in London for fine readers. Second-hand bookshops that stretch from Leicester Square to Cambridge Circus are known among avid readers. Also, nearby Cecil Court, you can browse about 20 antiquarian and second-hand shops in one charming lane. These pockets feel timeless and make perfect stops on a chilly afternoon.
The city also hosts the biggest bookshop in London. Waterstones Piccadilly fills a former department store with miles of shelves and a huge choice for every taste. It is a landmark for book lovers who want scale and variety in one sweep. Yet, there is one historic bookshop in London you simply cannot miss. Among the green Georgian shopfronts and polished wood, one address stands apart. Hatchards Piccadilly is the oldest bookshop in London, and we will tell you why you will be turning pages at this special location.
Key takeaways
- Hatchards Piccadilly opened in 1797 and is widely regarded as the oldest bookshop in London.
- Despite the ownership changes throughout the years, it has maintained the tradition of the founder, John Hatchard, through the Hatchards Publishing service.
- The shop brings together five floors of 100,000 books, expert staff, a lively events calendar, and a unique blend of history and service.
- Hatchards holds a Royal Warrant and serves the Royal Household as an official bookseller.
- Other historical bookshops in London include Daunt Books, Foyles, Skoob Books, and Any Amount of Books.
History of The Oldest Bookshop in London
From a Small Shop to a London Institution
The story begins with a simple idea. John Hatchard, a publisher and an anti-slavery campaigner, acquired a stock of books from a bookseller called Simon Vandenbergh and opened his own shop on Piccadilly in 1797. Four years later, he moved to the current location at 187 Piccadilly. By the early 19th century, the shop had become a social meeting point for readers and writers. The Royal Horticultural Society met here in 1804, and William Wilberforce arranged anti-slavery gatherings at the bookshop as well. You can find portraits and mementos from that era around the staircase in the bookshop.
Through the 19th century, Hatchards gained a reputation for providing quality service and careful selection. Piccadilly itself became a favoured address for booksellers, and Hatchards saw the street change while its own rooms kept their steady charm. The shop weathered wars and fashion shifts, yet remained active through each decade.
Growth through Change and Tradition
In 1849, John Hatchard died, and soon Hatchards was succeeded by his son Thomas. Then the 20th century brought more changes and expansion. The shop was purchased by William Collins and Sons in 1956, and then by Pentos in 1990. In the late 1990s, it was acquired by Waterstones, which is still in charge of Hatchards today.
Despite corporate changes, the Piccadilly flagship kept its name and character. Author events continued, and famous figures participated in signing events. In recent years, Hatchards added branches at St. Pancras and Cheltenham, and continued to refine its offer in Piccadilly. The St. Pancras store sits near a Fortnum and Mason shop, which mirrors the long neighborhood link in the West End.
The five-floor layout, the mix of new and out-of-print titles, the signed editions, and the Royal Warrant all reinforce the brand. Celebrities such as Lord Byron, Duke of Wellington, and Oscar Wilde are also a part of Hatchards’ clientele. Readers value the knowledge of booksellers and the balance of tradition with fresh releases.
What makes Hatchards Special
Hatchards has welcomed notable authors and readers for generations. Even Oscar Wilde signed books at a ground floor table that staff still reference today! That sense of continuity sets a calm tone that many visitors mention. The shop does not publish visitor totals, but the steady footfall and packed events tell their own story. Let’s uncover the details of what sets Hatchards apart from other bookshops in London!
Location & Interior
Hatchards sits opposite the Royal Academy, and the shop front wears deep green with gilded lettering and the Royal Arms above the door. Inside the five-story shop, you step into wooden rooms, classic tables, and quiet corners that invite you to linger. The mixture of historical background, as the oldest bookshop in London, and its inviting interior creates an atmosphere that invites people to settle on a vintage leather sofa between book browsing. Everything feels warm and refined without feeling too formal.
Books & Events
You will find fiction, non-fiction, and a strong children’s section at Hatchards. There are sections on the Royal Family and on Churchill, along with travel, art, and history. Hatchards also sells discontinued books and keeps a steady stream of signed first editions on display.
The choice of books is also generous. Hatchards states that while it carries around 100,000 titles in store, it can order any British book in print. Customers can also shop online for delivery in the UK and overseas. That blend of in-store expertise and an active website keeps the shop relevant for modern readers.
Events are a major draw. Hatchards’ calendar includes regular talks, signings, and seasonal evenings where many authors greet readers. The atmosphere suits both quiet chats with writers and lively release nights. If you enjoy literary dates, plan your visit around the schedule. Refer to our guide on the top 30 places to visit in London to check out where to go next from the events at Hatchards.
Hatchards Publishing
Hatchards Publishing is another signature feature at this oldest bookshop in London. As the founder, John Hatchard was also a publisher, Hatchards is reviving its tradition through The Hatchards Library. The shop creates numbered limited editions sold only by Hatchards. Recent volumes include classic and modern titles with cloth binding and stylish endpapers for collectors and gift givers. This small in-house list adds character and gives loyal customers something they cannot find elsewhere, but only at the oldest bookshop in London.
Royal Warrant
Hatchards holds a Royal Warrant as booksellers to the Royal Household. In practice, that means the store supplies books to the Royal Household and may display the Royal Arms above the door and on materials. A Royal Warrant is granted as a mark of recognition to companies that have supplied the Royal Household over time. It is reviewed at intervals and reflects consistent quality and service.
The warrant carries both heritage and practical meaning. It links the shop with centuries of royal patronage and tells customers that standards are high. You can see the Royal Arms above the Piccadilly entrance, a detail that many visitors photograph. While the system evolves with each reign, the core idea remains. The Royal Warrant signals trust earned over years of reliable supply.
Other Old Bookshops in London
If you want to see more historic bookshops beyond Hatchards, London offers several gems worth a stop.
- Daunt Books, Marylebone: Located in a building originally built for antiquarian booksellers in 1912, this shop is famous for its oak galleries and iconic green light fixtures. It specialises in travel books arranged by country and remains a favourite for global visitors.
- Foyles, Charing Cross Road: In 1906, the Foyle brothers founded this bookstore, which became known for its sleek interior of eight levels and 37,000 square feet that stores 200,000 books. The modern space today maintains that reputation with countless shelves.
- Skoob Books, Bloomsbury: Founded in the 1970s near the British Museum, it focuses on second hand and academic books. With over 50,000 titles in stock, it is a haven for rare finds.
- Any Amount of Books, Charing Cross Road: From the 1920s, this independent shop had opened its doors with a focus on affordable second-hand books. Over time, it built a loyal following among bargain hunters and collectors.
Conclusion
Although there are many lively places in London, such as rooftop bars and Chinatown, Hatchards is also lively in its own way, setting multiple milestones as the oldest bookstore in London. Even though it stands beside the largest bookshop in Europe, it offers a more intimate experience that feels uniquely London. If you would like a guided day that blends this stop with other London gems, join an Amitylux private tour in London. Our professional local guides will customise your route so that you can spend extra time at Hatchards, or add other historic shops across Charing Cross Road and Cecil Court. Perhaps you will find a book that has been on your reading bucket list with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest bookshop in England?
Hatchards in Piccadilly opened in 1797 and is widely regarded as the oldest bookshop in London. The shop itself states that it is the oldest bookshop in the United Kingdom, and it has been selling books on Piccadilly since 1801.
What London street is famous for its bookshops?
Charing Cross Road is renowned for specialist and second-hand bookshops, with nearby Cecil Court lined with about 20 antiquarian shops.
What is the biggest bookshop in London?
Waterstones Piccadilly is the largest bookshop in London and is widely described as the largest bookshop in Europe, with over eight miles of shelving.
