Rother Books to open in Sussex

A new independent bookshop called Rother Books is to open in the historic town of Battle, East Sussex, later this week.

Owned by Ian Cawley, former bookseller at Ottaker's and Waterstones, Rother Books will open on Wednesday (13th November). The shop will sell new books for adults and children, and will have a particular focus on history because of the character of the town, the site of the Battle of Hastings. 

Cawley told The Bookseller: "I've always wanted to open a bookshop as I've worked in books for the past 25 years in Ottaker's and then in Waterstones. Battle is a lovely little town but it has no bookshop at all. I found a lovely 15th century building which I thought would be perfect for a bookshop and decided to open one!"

Battle benefits from large amounts of tourism because of its history, whilst the high street is vibrant with a good mix of independent shops and high end chain retailers, said Cawley.

Cawley added that preparations for the shop are "going well" with books to be delivered this morning. He also said that the general public and local businesses have been "fantastically supportive" of his plan to open the shop and are "very excited" to see a bookshop return to the town.

Discussing famous residents, Cawley said: "Rumour has it that Lee Child has a place around here, so hopefully he will come into the shop. Aside from that, I'm very keen to meet local authors."

Cawley added: "High street bookselling has had a tempestuous few years but my recent experience with Waterstones tells me that now is a good time to open a bookshop and I am very excited and proud to be doing this in Battle."

The shop will have an official launch on Saturday 25th November, with local MP Huw Merriman cutting the ribbon.