Robinson's Booksellers, a beloved independent second-hand bookshop in Newcastle's historic Grainger Market, closed suddenly in June 2014 after more than 130 years of trading, leaving customers shocked and nostalgic. The shop, which opened in 1881, was a jumbled treasure trove of thousands of books, from 50p paperbacks to hardbacks on every subject imaginable. Its closure was marked only by a note on the shutters saying 'closed,' and it was later reported to have gone into liquidation.
A Weekly Highlight for Generations
For many in the 1980s and 1990s, a visit to Robinson's corner site was a weekly highlight. The shop extended up an alley and was packed with books displayed outside and in, stuffed into boxes and piled high on shelves. One of the main draws was a wooden box of bargain books outside, filled with paperbacks for 50p. Customers had to jostle for space, with someone always looming over their shoulder waiting for a chance to browse. The etiquette was to step back after picking up a couple of books, but regaining ground was difficult, often leaving shoppers with whatever they had grabbed.
A Vast and Eclectic Collection
Robinson's was described as Newcastle's largest independent bookshop, stocking a whopping 30,000-plus books at one stage. The wooden boxes outside contained everything from old Mills & Boon romances to dog-eared Frederick Forsyth thrillers. Inside, the 'middle' section offered books on local history, Geordie dialects, and pubs of Gateshead. There was also a weird section on mysterious spiritual matters and the occult, alongside glossy volumes of Greek myths. The other end of the store had shelves where customers could lose an hour ferreting through, taking care not to stumble over fellow bookworms crouching on the floor.
Abrupt Closure After 130 Years
The end came suddenly. In June 2014, passers-by were surprised to see the shutters down with a note simply saying 'closed.' Neighbouring traders reported that it had shut without warning; one of them put the notice on the shutters in response to inquiries. The shop was said to have gone into liquidation. A neighbouring trader suggested that the bookshop could have fallen victim to the advance of Kindles and tablets, noting, 'It is the end of an era.' While e-books offered cleaner reading, Robinson's closure meant a new generation was denied the musty joys and undiscovered treasures of a memorable second-hand bookshop.
Legacy and Nostalgia
Robinson's Booksellers remains a fond memory for many Newcastle shoppers. Its chaotic charm and bargain buys allowed readers to try unheard-of authors without wasting cash. The shop's loss is still felt, as it was a unique institution that embodied the spirit of independent bookshops. The Grainger Market, which underwent a £9m restoration, continues to evolve, but Robinson's is long-gone yet still missed by many.
