Southport residents have spoken of their devastation after news of the sudden closure of the iconic Broadhurst’s bookshop in Southport was announced tonight.
The shop has been trading at 5-7 Market Street since it was opened by Charles Kenyon Broadhurst in 1920.
Some called for something to be done for such a substantial part of Southport’s heritage to be saved.
Broadhurst’s bookshop has been owned by Laurie Hardman, who tragically died earlier this year after 55 years in post. Mr Hardman began working at the shop in 1969.
The shop was famous for stocking over a million new and second hand books; booksellers wrapping up books bought by customers with brown paper and string; the roaring log fire and armchair; a superb children’s section; and historic and rare titles going back not just years but centuries.
Sam Jalloh at Broadhursts Bookshop in Southport
Speaking in the Stand Up For Southport Facebook group, OmNom Zero Waste said: “That is devastating. Can the community not save it?”
Joanne Mirzoeff said: “This is devastating and a huge loss to the town and all its devoted customers. I’ve been going here for 40 years and knew Laurie well. I was there only last week. Am sure the current staff could have taken over.”
Jo-Anne Lewis said: “That’s so sad, I loved buying from there and how they would wrap the books up with brown paper and string.”
JoanneroyWorsley said: “No way. By far the best shop in the whole of Southport.”
Year 5 and Year 6 Reading Ambassadors from Farnborough Road Junior School enjoyed a visit to Broadhurst’Bookshop in Southport
Susan Marie Parry said: “Oh no, such happy memories of this little shop! Brown paper packages tied up with string, these were my favourite things!
“Christmas time with my two girls, a large open fire and lovely shop assistants.
“Recently shared the experience again with my Granddaughter. Sooo sad.”
Sandra Summer said: “I loved getting my books from here as a child. It’s very sad that it’s closing.”
Broadhursts Bookshop on Market Street in Southport town centre. Photo by Annie O’Garra Worsley
Donna Rae said: “Nooooooo my favourite book shop. So sad.”
Joanne Burrows said: “Such a shame. When Plaza Cards in Southport closed recently after 60 years that also was sad. I hope the staff can find new jobs.”
Joan Violet Stretch said: “So sad, why ever is it closing? I’ve bought some lovely books from there.”
Gareth Hughes said: “Oh, no. Absolutely the best bookshop I’ve ever known. This is a disaster.”
Broadhurst’s book shop on Market Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
A statement posted by Broadhurst’s bookshop said: “We are incredibly sad to announce the permanent closure of Broadhursts.
“All the booksellers have been made redundant, and the shop will no longer open for trading with immediate effect.
“To claim refunds on deposits and Broadhursts vouchers please email [email protected]”
Broadhurst’s book shop on Market Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
The 124-year-old Broadhurst’s is one of the oldest second-hand and antiquarian bookshops in the country, having been established in 1920 by Charles Kenyon Broadhurst.
The business has traded continuously since then on four floors of its listed mid-19th century building in the centre of Southport.
The four floors of Broadhurst’s Bookshop held a comprehensive range of books suitable for all ages, interests and pockets.
Broadhurst’s book shop on Market Street in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
The ground floor housed an extensive stock of fiction and non-fiction in paper and hardback editions for adults.
Upstairs were:
- Extensive children’s book department
- Two rare book rooms specialising in 19th and 20th century literature, modern first editions, private press books and a wide and interesting selection of antiquarian titles
- Eight second-hand book rooms containing upwards of 50,000 titles on all subjects
- A varied selection of 18th, 19th & 20th century prints and maps
- Bookbinding and restoration service
- School supply
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