A unique bookshop with an estimated 100,000 books crammed into it is on the rise again as people look for the feel of a paperback once more.

Michael Halewood is the fifth-generation owner of the Halewood & Sons bookshop in Friargate.

There’s books of all topics and varieties, along with author fan memorabilia and more piled high around the shop which is a treasure trove for those who enjoy the written word.

He took John ‘Gilly’ Gillmore for a tour round in the latest episode of The Parched Pea Podcast which lifts the lid on the life of Prestonians and the characters who make the city what it is today.

You can listen to the episode below or on Podfollow

Gilly learns about Michael’s love for all things Sherlock Holmes and the author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

And how there’s a strong Lancashire link to the most famous of British Detective stories thanks to Sir Arthur’s education at Stoneyhurst in the Ribble Valley.

A permanent window display of all things Holmes and Watson can be found on the Friargate-fronting store.

While second-bank bookshops and bookshops in general may be on the decline then Michael tells of how people are starting to shun the Kindle and get back into picking up a physical book again.

The Parched Pea Podcast is a collaboration between Blog Preston, Lancashire Post and Central Radio with Gilly exploring the people and places which make the city tick and will be available on Spotify, Apple and all other major podcast apps via Podfollow with new episodes being released every other Wednesday starting on Wednesday 9 April.

The podcast has been supported by Cosy Homes in Lancashire, who work to keep homes in Preston and beyond warm and energy efficient.

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