P&G Wells is on College Street in Winchester and is (possibly) the oldest bookshop in England. During HODs we will open up the old Bindery & give short talks about the history of the building & the people who worked (and lived) here.
There has been a bookshop on College Street in Winchester for nearly 300 years. The Wells name has been associated with the shop at 11 College Street for nearly 200 years ever since 1834 when Joseph Wells started as an apprentice to the previous owner. Joseph managed the shop from 1845, going on to become sole owner from 1866 to 1890. After his death, Joseph’s sons Philip and George took over the business and P&G Wells was born. Two further generations of the Wells family ran the shop until 1982. Since 1983 a new partnership has continued to trade under the name of P&G Wells.
During Heritage Open Days, we will open the old Bindery space as a pop-up museum & tell the history of the business and the people who ran it. Features of the building will be highlighted and there will be a small display of old documents and photographs. We love sharing our story so even if you cannot make it to one of the tours do pop by and chat with us about our history. If you have memories of shopping or working at Wells we would love to hear them.
Timings & Tours
Saturday 13 September: 10:00am and 11:30am
Sunday 14 September: 11:30am, 2:00pm and 3:30pm
Location & directions
Directions: College Street is on the South side of Winchester Cathedral. Exit the close via Prior's Gate, walk under the Kingsgate and enter the shopping area of Kingsgate with College Street.
Contact on day: Steve Scholey
Telephone number: +441962852016
Accessibility Details
As an old building the shop is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. A steep staircase leads to the second floor and there is no lift or other accessible access. A ramp to enter the ground floor is available if required. The Bindery is at the back of the shop through a covered yard.
Additional Information
The shop will be open and operating during the events.
Booking information
Pre-booking requirement: Pre-booking required
Booking conditions: Please book in advance. If you are later unable to attend please let us know so we an offer your place to someone else.
Booking contact name: Steve Scholey
Booking website: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/pg-wells-bookshop
Alternative booking website: https://www.pgwells.co.uk/
Booking opens: 08 Aug 2025 09:00 AM
Booking closes: 14 Sep 2025 12:00 AM
Max no of people per tour: 12
Est. tour duration: 45 minutes