Greyfriars Books, so called because it was close to the medieval Franciscan monastery and later 18th century mansion of Grey Friars, opened at the top of East Hill, Colchester, in 1983.  Originally occupying a (possibly haunted?) semi-basement, it later expanded to incorporate the ground floor above it, although neither floor was at pavement level.  It is still fondly remembered by many customers as the bookshop with steps down to the front door.

 

In 2015 the bookshop moved to premises in the very heart of Colchester city centre, which we discovered to be the Great Hall of Tymperleys, a rich medieval merchant's house.  It had been thought that this part of the house had been completely demolished but, when we moved in, it was found that the roof, dated to around 1400, had survived almost intact.  Other, smaller but no less exciting, discoveries have been made as we have enhanced and adapted the building as a bookshop.  These can be explored and enjoyed by our visitors and customers, and it is our ongoing intention to develop as one of the most beautiful and fascinating bookshops in Britain.