Blackwell’s Bookshop in Oxford is one of the most famous and historic bookstores in the world. Founded in 1879 by Benjamin Henry Blackwell, it has become a landmark not only in Oxford but also in the literary world.
The shop was originally opened by Benjamin Henry Blackwell, who was the son of a bookseller. The first Blackwell’s store was located on Broad Street, where it still stands today. The store initially started as a small shop selling rare and academic books, catering mainly to the University of Oxford’s students and faculty.
Over the years, Blackwell’s grew significantly, both in size and reputation. It became known for its extensive range of academic and general books, and it was particularly popular among scholars, writers, and book lovers from around the world.
Today, Blackwell’s Bookshop continues to thrive, maintaining its reputation as one of the premier bookstores in the world. While the company has expanded with additional locations and an online presence, the original Broad Street store remains a must-visit for anyone coming to Oxford. The shop continues to balance its rich heritage with a modern outlook, ensuring that it remains relevant in the digital age while preserving the charm and tradition that have made it famous.
The History of Blackwell's Bookshop
The first Blackwell’s Bookshop opened in Oxford in 1846. However, it wasn’t until 1879 that Blackwell’s was founded, when Benjamin Henry Blackwell opened a 12ft square room at 50 Broad Street.
DO NOT MISS: When you visit the shop, you can still see the first bookcase that was fitted in the shop. It’s on the first floor at the top of the stairs and it’s marked by a small plaque, be sure not to miss it!
In 1913 Basil Blackwell, Benjamin’s son, joined the family business. He took over the firm in 1924 and became affectionately known as the “gaffer”. By then, the shop had expanded to 51 Broad Street too.
In 1925, Basil Blackwell became the President of the International Association of Antiquarian Booksellers. He opened his first shop outside Oxford the net year (when he bought George’s in Bristol). Sir Basil Blackwell was knighted in 1956 by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to bookselling. No other bookseller was honoured this way. He also received the Freedom of the City of Oxford in 1970. He died in 1984, ages 94. He was survived by a son, Julian, and two daughters, Penelope and Corinna.
In 1995, Blackwell’s became one of the first retailers to go online, giving people across the world access to over 150,000 titles.
The Norrington Room
One of the most famous features of Blackwell’s Bookshop is the Norrington Room, which was opened in 1966. This room is located in the basement of the shop and covers over 10,000 square feet. It holds a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest single room selling books. The Norrington Room is named after Sir Arthur Norrington, who was the President of Trinity College, Oxford, and a supporter of the expansion of Blackwell’s.
The Broad Street Store
The Broad Street store is the flagship of Blackwell’s and has become an iconic site in Oxford. The store’s classic exterior, with its distinctive blue façade, welcomes visitors into a world of books that range from the latest bestsellers to rare and antique volumes. The shop has several floors, each dedicated to different genres and types of books, including a specialized section for rare and antiquarian books.
How to Visit Blackwell's Bookshop
Blackwell’s has long been more than just a bookshop; it has served as a cultural and intellectual hub in Oxford. The store regularly hosts events such as book signings, readings, and discussions with authors and academics. It has also been a crucial resource for students and scholars at the University of Oxford, offering an unparalleled selection of academic texts. If you’re in Oxford, don’t miss Blackwell’s.
Address: 48-51 Broad St. Near the Bodleian Library.
Telephone: 01865 792792.
