A right-wing bookshop in Suffolk has been forced to close after its owners claimed they had suffered “constant hostility”.
Oldspeak Bookshop, an outlet situated in the village of Long Melford near Sudbury, confirmed it will shut its physical premises.
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The shop, which branded itself as “Britain’s only dissident bookshop,” operated for just over a year before its founder Joanne May revealed the decision to close over the weekend.
Ms May thanked her customers, adding she was looking at future options for the business.
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She said: “Over time, it became increasingly difficult to maintain a welcoming environment due to the constant hostility I experienced.
“The uncertainty around which customers were genuine, made it hard for me to greet everyone warmly, and my customer service suffered.
“To every one of you who has supported me, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“I’m sorry for letting you down, but we can still stay connected!! I am remaining fully online and will be offering a wider range of harder-to-find books, imports, and similar.
“I’ll still be available for events, of course, and I look forward to meeting both new and familiar faces there.”
She continued: “I am also searching for premises in a friendlier location. If you know of a place that might suit, please do get in touch.”
Plans were lodged for a bookshop and café to Babergh District Council in February last year.
Oldspeak opened its doors for the first time shortly after plans were approved.
On their website, the business said it was “founded out of a deep appreciation for England, Britain, and Western heritage”, adding how the business emphasises “conservative ideals and timeless principles.”
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The bookshop had a section dedicated to conservative author Sir Roger Scruton, as well as stocking books by historian Dr David Starkey and white supremacist Jared Taylor.
Earlier this year, the business caused controversy when it flew an England flag reading “Remigration Now”, a far-right concept calling for mass deportations.
On the website, the business said: “Oldspeak is a sanctuary for those who cherish liberty over tyranny, heritage over hype, and reason over noise.
“From the works that built us and the classics that shaped us, to the voices that still stir us, we are committed to championing what is tried and true, showcasing literature that has shaped our identity and inspired countless others.”
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