History

Cambridge University Press Bookshop opened its doors as a showroom for the full range of the Press's publishing on 30 April 1992.

Situated at the heart of Cambridge opposite the Senate House, adjacent to Great St Mary's, the University church, 1 Trinity Street is one of the most historic sites in bookselling. Well-remembered by many as Bowes & Bowes, books have in fact been sold here since at least 1581, making it the oldest bookshop site in the country. During its long history it has hosted readings by Tennyson and counted Thackeray and Charles Kingsley amongst its visitors. From 1845 the shop was run by Daniel and Alexander Macmillan and was where they began to issue some of their own publications. By 1863 this business had grown so much they no longer had time to run the shop, instead investing all their time into what has now become Macmillan publishers.

Since Cambridge University Press took over the site in 1992 the publishing industry has undergone the biggest changes since the Press was granted its Royal Charter by Henry VIII in 1534. The advent of digital printing, e-publishing, CD-ROMs and print on demand has made it no longer viable to fulfil the initial remit of stocking all Cambridge publications. We do however still stock the largest range to be found under one roof, and if we don't have a book in stock we will be happy to order it for you - just ask!