The Chaucer Book Shop

One of the city’s stalwart businesses is The Chaucer Book Shop. Established in 1956 and owned by Sir Robert Sherston-Baker, 7th Baronet, it specialises in antiquarian and rare books.

Sir Robert’s title is a story in itself and goes back to King George III and 18th century Richmond (Surrey), when his paternal ancestor raised and maintained a cavalry regiment of 500 men called “The Richmond Rangers” for King George III. He was repaid with the title of Baronet. Sir Robert is the 7th generation and the title will pass to his eldest surviving son.

An obvious intellectual bibliophile, surprisingly Sir Robert hated school: “I was sent to Australia as a teenager by my parents to work on a farm to find my calling in life, it didn’t work. I came back to the UK and took a job with a friend’s firm in London.”

“It was here that I discovered a love of books. Two years later, I heard about the sale of the shop in Canterbury and took over the business in 1976.”

Behind the title is the wonderful gentleman who is happily known as just Robert and is a pleasure meet. He always offer customers a warm welcome to his shop on Beer Cart lane as do his team, some of whom have been there 26 years.

The business has navigated many changes across the decades but the biggest challenge was the pandemic.

Robert said that, “Without the help of government grants, we probably wouldn’t still be here today.”

Make sure to pop in and explore this remarkable business, there is so much to discover! Find them in Canterbury’s Castle Quarter at 6-7 Beer Cart Lane, Canterbury CT1 2NY.

Quick-fire Q&A

1. What do you enjoy most about running your business?

You never know who is going to walk into the shop and what they might bring. It has always been an interesting career.

2. What has been one of your most interesting items to come in?

One of the nicest books was a small book of poems by Wordsworth, an early edition. Inside it was a pressed daffodil and a note from the original owner of the book, saying this daffodil was picked for me by Mr Wordsworth himself.

3. Have you had any notable customers in the shop over the years?

Yes many who are well-known in the media – but I don’t want to name drop. We respect their privacy.

4. What do you hope your customers will experience when they visit the shop?

I hope that they go away with something unusual, as there are very few book shops around, we make them feel welcome and try to be helpful. A lot of customers come in for unique present ideas too.

5. How far away do your books get sent?

All over: China, Russia, Australia, the furthest is New Zealand and we have a lot of customers who will travel to us by train at the weekends – and if they buy lots, we can always send them on, to save them carrying too much.

6. What do you enjoy most about the city?

Westgate gardens are lovely for a wander around with the chalk stream, fish and punts on a fine day.

7. Which other places do you recommend customers visit in Canterbury?

The Cathedral, which goes without saying, the galleries in Castle Street, and Rock, Paper, Scissors is a very nice shop. The White Hart pub in Castle Street is very friendly with a nice team.