Maldon can’t claim to have a pub called the Leaky Cauldron that opens into a hidden high street for wizard types to stock up on wands, broomsticks and ingredients for potions, but it would be very easy to imagine it leaping from the pages of a popular Harry Potter novel in the town’s newest bookshop.
‘When I saw an early 19th-century building with bay windows looking out onto the historic All Saints Church, I thought it would be absolutely perfect for the bookshop I have always dreamed of,’ says Olivia Rosenthall, proprietor of Maldon Books, which opened in December last year.
Olivia’s new premises on the High Street have been run as a shop for more than 200 years, during which time it has been a jeweller, greengrocer, florist and travel agent.
‘Maldon has always buzzed with independent businesses and the local people are just as eager to support them now as they have been in the past,’ says Olivia. ‘The response to the bookshop has been phenomenal.’
Given its location, it’s no surprise that Maldon Books has a hefty selection of history books in its non-fiction section, which share the shelves with titles on favourite topics including cookery, nature and travel (although none on spells), as well as biographies, a huge choice of novels and a wide range of children’s books. All have been flying off the shelves as news of the bookshop’s opening has reached the ears of local readers.
Denne historien er fra March 2020-utgaven av Essex Life.
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Denne historien er fra March 2020-utgaven av Essex Life.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The rise of maskne
With the term ‘maskne’ becoming an increasingly common search online and on social media, Krystal Prince explains what it is and how you can control mask-induced acne
The forgotten lady
Charlotte Christie shares the life story of Anne Knight, an Essex pioneer for the abolition of slavery and women’s suffrage who’s achievements have almost been air-brushed from history
Stride out in the Sampfords
This charming, circular winter walk takes you on a tour from the village of Great Sampford to its neighbour, Little Sampford, and back again
MUCH TO TALK ABOUT
As a presenter on Sky Music and the host of two TV talk shows of her own on Gidea Park-based Sky channel Spotlight TV, Hayley Palmer is never short of words. Nicky Adams asks her how she came to be in front of the camera
LIFE and SOUL
Radio 1 broadcaster and producer Charlie Hedges began her career as Britain’s youngest breakfast show host and is now one of the world’s most successful female DJs. Denise Marshall caught up with the Essex-based queen of the air waves
Lest we forget
Remembrance Sunday will have a special poignance this month as 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Stephen Roberts profiles how much the county of Essex contributed to the war effort and how much it cost
Lakeside Magic
The Lake House, nestled in Mill End on the outskirts of the village of Bradwell on Sea, has been owned by the same family for 60 years and was once a thriving four-buoy water-ski lake.
Keep on running
BBC presenter and director David Whiteley shares his insightful view on stories from across the county of Essex
Cheers!
Starting to get that festive vibe? Why not plan ahead by selecting not only the drinks you want to serve this Christmas, but also ticking off a few presents too?
A doggy day out on… Saffron Walden
Join Ernie, the county’s most famous Westie, as he steps back in time on a trip to this medieval market town
