Brilliant Bookshops: P and G Wells

Established by King Alfred as the heart of his court and government, the city of Winchester became the centre of Wessex and the focal point of Alfred’s endeavours to strengthen his rule and defend against Viking invasions.

It’s a city full of history with a stunning cathedral where Jane Austen, who died in the city on 18th July 1817, is buried and John Keats wrote ‘Isabella’, ‘St. Agnes' Eve’ and ‘To Autumn’ amongst other works whilst staying here.

On College Street, just a few doors along from the house where Jane Austen died, is P and G Wells, the most wonderful bookshop. Winchester’s longest-running retail business and (probably) Britain’s oldest bookshop, it has been at 11, College Street since 1789 and before this, ‘gentleman bookseller’ John Burdon had been conducting business from his home at No.12 since 1757. Jane Austen wrote in 1798 about books bought here.

The shop has a wonderful old world feel with books carefully displayed and plenty of space to browse. Great care has obviously been taken over selecting the stock in this shop with a very wide range of titles on offer. The children’s section, which is upstairs, has been just as carefully curated, making it an excellent spot to spend time.

The staff were delightful, keen to help in any way possible, but allowing space for people to explore the shelves for themselves. The shop also offers an amazing range of ink pens and stationery items. This is a bookshop well worth going out of the way for!

P and G Wells,

11 College St,

Kingsgate St,

Winchester

SO23 9LZ