Marjorie R, a former coal barge that’s been lovingly restored into a community bookshop – Holdfast, has been awarded Flagship of the Year 2023 status by National Historic Ships UK.

An honour only bestowed to 6 vessels each year, the awards celebrate superb maritime heritage efforts as brilliantly demonstrated by Victoria and Chris Bonner’s dedication to not only prioritise the preservation of Marjorie R’s 76-year-old structure, using recycled materials where possible, but to also provide the public a rare opportunity to step on board a piece of Yorkshire history for free.

Furthermore, the bookshop’s name Holdfast, a nautical expression that would in days gone by be tattooed on sailor’s knuckles to bring strength during stormy conditions, fittingly reflects Marjorie R’s new, secure mooring in Leeds Dock.

The blast from the industrial past has many chapters left in its storyline with 600 sunflower seeds being grown on the deck in time for summer, to complement the selection of plants available for purchase.

With celebrations for Independent Bookshop Week also underway, there’s never been a better time to visit Holdfast to check out hundreds of titles, both new and second hand.

Opening times:

Thursday: 11am – 8pm
Friday: 11am – 6pm
Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 11am – 4pm