With one simple turn off London’s Charing Cross Road, you’ll find yourself in a quiet alleyway that’s a book-lover’s dream. ♦
London can be daunting for some, with its overwhelming mass of crowds and long, touristy lines. Taking a walk down the busy streets of the city, there’s never a dull moment and always more adventure than you could’ve dreamed of in a singular lifetime—more like a thousand lifetimes. It feels like there’s so much to do and not enough time to do it. That’s one reason why you may be a little surprised to find one of the city’s unique and rare historical gems which seems to operate at its own deliberate pace—Cecil Court.
Passing through the theatre districts, I stumbled upon the alleyway for Cecil Court right between Charing Cross Road and St. Martin’s Lane. To put it lightly, this hidden street was completely different from the rest of London’s West End—a good kind of different. Deep within the bustling heart of the city, here was an alleyway lined with independent bookshops and antiquaries. It’s a humble, secluded place that’s bound to put your mind at ease from the sensory overload that might plague you in the busier parts of London.
I often venture into bookstores to get lost in the rows-upon-rows
of books that are at my fingertips. Usually, it’s not just the books that draw me in, it’s also the aesthetic and relaxing aura of the bookstore as a whole. Being able to sit down and enjoy a cup of your favorite drink with a book in hand while conversing with your closest friends is the best way to spend an afternoon—a perfect Kodak moment. Cecil Court’s bookshops fall more on the vintage spectrum of aesthetic with a more rustic, old-fashioned feel, but its offerings fulfil the dreams of book enthusiasts from all across the globe with limited first edition books and collectors’ books. But Cecil Court doesn’t just cater to book enthusiasts; it also appeals to anglophiles (lovers of English culture) who come visit Flicker Alley, as it was known when it was home to the British film industry. With fine sellers of silver, music, and art (along with materials on and from the ancient history of London), Cecil Court is just asking to be added to your literary tourism itinerary.
I remember walking into the tiny, quaint storefront of Marchpane’s Children Books and being surrounded with its warm, hazy glow. It reminded me as if I were in my own clubhouse, a little hideaway all for myself as I was surrounded by a wave of nostalgia. It made me want to sit down and peruse through all of the options I remember owning as a kid. Some books I recall looking upon were E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web and C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. The warm glow of the cozy
room and the nostalgia of all the old classics reminded me of how much times were simpler when I was a kid, enjoying reading books by myself or having my mom read to me. Those were the golden, foundational years, memories that can never be replaced, and Marchpane brought all of these memories flooding back. Each shop in Cecil Court carries a unique aura that’s different that the last, such as walking into Watkins Books. This bookshop had a mysterious vibe and catered to readers who were more into enchantment and the paranormal. Multiple sections of the bookstore were quite small and shadowy, which further added to the cryptic atmosphere. A plethora of tarot cards, spell books, chakra-coded merchandise, and more was there to satisfy all of your occult and metaphysical wants. When you travel to Cecil Court, make sure to bring a big enough tote, because you might be walking out not just with a load of books but many other intriguing objects.
Cecil Court has the perfect store that is just right for everyone, and you don’t have to be interested in only books to join in the Flicker Alley action. The antique shops feature pieces of silver that date all the way back to King George III’s era, so hardly just any piece of silver. For more of a modern taste, a piece of silver antiquary from Queen Elizabeth II resides in Daniel Bexfield Antiques (and costs a fortune). Vintage vinyl shops and artistic relics are also staples of the small alleyway, making it a fantastic match for artistic cosmopolitans. Surprisingly enough, in 1764, Wolfgang A. Mozart lodged here in Flicker Alley with John Couzin while on his grand tour; rumor had it that he also wrote his first symphony while based in London.
If you enjoy a place that is abounding with British history and rare book selections, which offers an atmosphere that’s unique in such a bustling city, Cecil Court is the place for you, and visiting this charming alley will be a decision you will not regret.
About the Author
Kennedy Withers is an author and student at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. A cosmopolitan at her finest, Kennedy still enjoys her relaxation time with good friends with a cup of boba in hand.
