Wenlock Books
More than Just a Bookshop
The Bookshop has now closed
Our lovely bookshop closed on Saturday June 29th, with tears and sadness but also a sense of looking forwards.
Although we lose our lovely home on the High Street, our events will continue so please sign up at the bottom of the page to our newsletter for all the latest news.
If you would like to read/hear more about our closure, we have had some media coverage here:
More than just a bookshop
Welcome to Wenlock Books – at the heart of the creative and literary community of Much Wenlock, Shropshire and the creator of the nationally acclaimed Wenlock Poetry Festival.
Celebrating over thirty years in Much Wenlock, we are passionate about books and will give you all the help you need to find the right ones for you, whether they are new editions or pre-loved gems. We also stock a wide range of children’s books as well as various bits and bobs to feed your literary and creative souls.
I could say more about Wenlock Books, but I think the video below, and the articles, sum up perfectly what a magical place it is for me, for our customers and for our community.
I hope you enjoy browsing our website. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Introducing Wenlock Books
with owner Anna Dreda
What people have said
I love this photo of the bookshop, taken by Tish Farrell. The scooter leaning up against the front window tells me that either Evie or Scarlett is inside, eagerly browsing the children’s section, or perhaps calling in for StoryTime.
Here is Tish’s essay about Wenlock Books. Many years ago, we had a lovely visit from Sarah Crown who was writing for the Guardian Books section at that time. Some things might have changed (I don’t quite manage the daily afternoon tea any more) but Sarah’s article still captures the magic of the bookshop.
And lastly, for now, we loved hosting those super folk from Slightly Foxed a few years ago and were thrilled when they chose us as their Bookshop of the Month. Stephanie’s interview was a joy to do!
The latest books, carefully curated
People often ask me how I choose my stock. There’s no easy answer to this as it’s a skill I’ve spent half a lifetime developing and refining. Can I just say that introducing readers to books that they might not otherwise have happened upon is one of the enduring joys of my life. Click the links below to get a sense of what we want to share with you….
Books to last a lifetime
One of the benefits of being a small, independent bookshop is that our stock is carefully curated. Every book is here for a reason and has been chosen by us based not on hype, but on word-of-mouth, critical reviews, the tests of time and our own reading.
Secondhand Books
Upstairs in our extensive second hand books department, you can browse for hours in tranquility, surrounded by ancient oak beams and with lots of snug corners to lose yourself in.
Children's Books
Our children’s corner is lively, welcoming and full of the best children’s books to encourage a lifelong love of reading. For our youngest visitors, we have a box of toys and books to play with while their grown ups browse the shelves.
Regular Events
We’re more than just a bookshop because we love inviting you into our world through our friendly and welcoming groups. We do have a special love of poetry, but you’ll find our approach a little different, and absolutely not scary!
WEDNESDAY MORNINGS
10.30am – 11.30am
Slow Reading Group
This group is currently at full capacity, but please contact us if you would like to be added to our waiting list..
SECOND THURSDAYS
9am – 10am
Poetry Breakfast
A friendly informal gathering, where we read our favourite poems and enjoy a breakfast of coffee and croissants.
FOURTH WEDNESDAYS
9.30am – 10.30am
Poetry Breakfast
A friendly informal gathering, where we read our favourite poems and enjoy a breakfast of coffee and croissants.
FRIDAY MORNINGS
11am – 12pm
Children’s StoryTime
Join Sue Dunne and her bag of tricks as our little ones enjoy the magic of story, and a jolly good sing-song, too!
Much Wenlock – well worth a visit
If you are too far away just to pop in, why not make a day, a weekend or even a week of it?
Much Wenlock may be small, but it punches above its weight with the number of things on offer to visitors. Not only are we in great walking country, but the area is steeped in history, from our own Wenlock Priory to the World Heritage Site at Ironbridge just down the road.
And, of course, there are lots of independent shops and eateries in the town, including our friends at Much More Books who specialise in secondhand books and vinyl, Mrs P’s traditional sweet shop, Ippikin’s fabulous yarn shop, Paddy Ryan’s award-winning butchers and the Wenlock Deli to name but a few. We even have an ecclesiastical outfitters, should you require a new cassock.
For more information to help you plan your trip, we recommend you visit the Much Wenlock Visitors Guide website.
Helping you find the perfect book
Anna Dreda
Owner
Ros
Staff member
Julie
Staff member
Find Us
Address
12 High Street
Much Wenlock
Shropshire TF13 6AA
Opening Hours
Open 10am – 5pm, Monday – Saturday
Telephone
01952 727877