GfB, the Colchester Bookshop, occupies the medieval Great Hall of Tymperleys; one of the most historic and interesting buildings in the heart of Colchester city centre.  The Hall was divided into cottages in the 16th century and then rebuilt as a "suite of attorney's offices" with an arched carriageway leading through it at the end of the 18th century.

This architectural history has resulted in a quirky arrangement of rooms and staircases over three floors that is much larger inside than it looks from outside and it has turned out to be ideal for a bookshop.  Our customers love it!  They also love the fact that this was the home of William Gilberd, a doctor to Elizabeth I who also, according to John Gribbin, "chronologically speaking at least, deserves the title of the first scientist".

The bookshop stocks around 20,000 interesting rare and secondhand books, specialising particularly in good literature, the arts, history, philosophy, science (obviously) and local interest titles.  Most of our books are in excellent condition and priced to sell, although we do make allowances for especially intriguing titles and are occasionally sorry to see choice copies leave for a good price!  There is also a large selection of books priced at £1 or less in the attics.

We are open Wednesday to Saturday and are delighted to welcome visitors from all over the World, as well as our regular local and student customers.  We also buy good quality interesting books.