Hatchards claims to be not only one of the oldest bookshops in London, but also the oldest in the whole of the UK!
Today, I'm taking you on a cultural tour of this magnificent bookshop.
Hatshards: article summary
Hatchards: nowadays
Even today, books are stacked floor-to-ceiling in oak frames.
Friendly staff and tables full of books scattered around the workshop are a bibliophile's dream waiting to be explored.
The story of London's oldest bookseller
Dating back to the 18th century, the Hatchards story began with John Hatchard in 1797, when a store opens at 173 Piccadilly.
The store's original stock was purchased from Simon Vandenbergh. A few years later, the store was relocated, when it was demolished in favor of a site dedicated to Egypt.
Discover the bookshop
If you take a stroll inside Hatchards today, you'll see a portrait of John Hatchard on the staircase.
Elsewhere in the store, portraits of royalty and vintage photos of Hatchards can be glimpsed, hidden among the wooden bookcases and armchairs scattered around the store.
Since the early 19th century, the store has been located at 187 Piccadilly, proving that the bookshop has become a London institution.
Since 2014, a second Hatchards site has been operational at St Pancras International, near the Fortnum and Masons store.
Enter Piccadilly's cultural flagship store
It is particularly interesting to note that you can find many autographed books in the store, which means that several shelves close to the checkouts are dedicated to first-hand, unique, rare and signed book editions.
Elsewhere in the store, books focus on history, with many volumes on Churchill and the royal family.
For those looking for some of the best books on London, there's also a fantastic travel section, selling a selection of local guides.
How to visit Hatchards
Today, Harchards is located in the heart of central London, on the outskirts of the city. Piccadilly even. The metro are :
- Green Park on the Victoria and Piccadilly lines
- Picadilly Circus on the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines
Today, Hatchards operates as a branch of Waterstone's, a retail chain present in towns and cities across the UK.
The bookseller holds three Royal Warrants, which are prestigious badges indicating to the public that the brand even sells to the royal family.
Regular events take place in the store
These special occasions include author signings, book readings, and a chance to meet your favorite authors.
For all events, please consult Hatchards calendar. Past meetings and events have also included reading groups and book talks.
Nearby, you can visit the great exhibitions of the Royal Academy or discover luxury goods in the Fortnum and Masons department store.
The Hatchards is a Londoner's delight. If you're travelling, looking for a particular book or want to take advantage of a limited edition, the Hatchards is the place to go, I advise you to visit this establishment.
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