'Stewards' of historic bookshop celebrate 75 years

A couple who took over a bookshop that has been at the heart of its community for 75 years is marking the milestone with a town-wide celebration.

Gideon and Cath York bought the Cotswold Book Room in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, in February 2020, and have since been researching its history.

The bookshop has relocated several times but the name has always remained the same - arising from the fact its humble origins were once a living room in a house.

They will be hosting a party and national book token treasure hunt on 1 November to celebrate the anniversary with local residents and other independent businesses.

National book tokens with credit ranging from £2 to £75 will be hidden in shops and businesses around the town.

Numerous commercial business have operated in the building since 1927, including a photographic studio and bike shop

They hope the event will attract footfall for local traders - a philosophy that has helped keep the high street largely unchanged since the 1950s.

"Obviously retailers have changed over time but it's still a high street full of small businesses," Mrs York said.

"There's still a really strong desire to support the people that are here."

The couple purchased the property from two sisters who had inherited it from their father, and could not bear to see it redeveloped into flats.

"They were adamant they wanted it to stay as a bookshop so they did actually turn down other offers," Mrs York said.

"When we came along and said we'd like to buy the whole building for our family home and continue it as a bookshop, they said 'yes, we'd love to sell it to you'.

"I'm so thankful they held out for the right people."

"It's the whole town's bookshop," Mr York added. "We are just the stewards of it."

The shop is intentionally arranged with lots of front-facing books so readers can browse more easily and not feel overwhelmed with options

Mr York said they aim to create a "safe space" for the community which offers "something for everyone".

The shop is intentionally arranged with lots of open space and front-facing books, so readers can easily browse and spot things that might appeal to them.

"For anyone who walks in the book shop, that's really critical," he said.

"That says one thing, you're going to be okay here. In a day and age where you don't always hear that, implied or stated, that's what a bookshop can give."