Chilton Books: Second-hand, collectable and antiquarian books in Sudbury

Some books are bought to be read. Others are treasured for their history, their binding or the handwritten notes left by a previous owner.

At Chilton Books in Sudbury, there's room for all of them, and they’re opening a shop at the front of Gainsborough’s House this November.

  Run by Adrian Beckham, Chilton Books specialises in theology and religious books, including Bibles and prayer books, alongside Masonic titles and a wide range of other subjects. With more than 14,000 books listed online and thousands more on the shelves, there's plenty to explore.

Interested in older books?

Antiquarian books are a particular focus. Chilton Books stocks antiquarian Bibles and prayer books, decorated Victorian Bibles, and Latin and Greek texts dating mainly from the 16th and 17th centuries.
For collectors, the interest can go well beyond the words on the page. A decorated cover, a leather binding or the age of an edition can all be part of its appeal. Whether you're building a collection or looking for a particular title, Adrian welcomes enquiries.
The specialist stock includes:

• Antiquarian Bibles and prayer books
• Decorated Victorian Bibles
• Latin and Greek texts, primarily from the 16th and 17th centuries
• Books of Masonic interest
• Books relating to Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk

Local history

You don't have to be an antiquarian book collector to find something of interest. Chilton Books also stocks second-hand and collectable books across a broad range of subjects.

Its regional books will be of particular interest to anyone exploring the history of Sudbury and the surrounding area. Whether your interests lie in Suffolk, Essex or Norfolk, a book can offer another way to get to know a place, its people and how it has changed.

Helping books survive for another generation

Alongside buying and selling books, Chilton Books is involved in the conservation of books and archival documents of all ages and subjects.

Older books and documents often carry personal as well as historical value. They might form part of a collection, record a family's past or preserve information that isn't readily available elsewhere.

 Contact Adrian to discuss a book or document you would like conserved.

Have books to sell?

Chilton Books welcomes enquiries from people looking to sell books. Adrian is particularly interested in purchasing libraries and collections, but offers of single items are welcome too.
These don't have to fall within the shop's specialist subjects. If you have a collection to sell or an individual book you think may be of interest, get in touch to discuss it

Visiting Chilton Books

Chilton Books will be based at Gainsborough’s House, Gainsborough St, Sudbury from November 2026.

Telephone: 01787 373725
Mobile: 07584 662155

For enquiries about buying, selling or conserving books, contact Adrian Beckham at Chilton Books.

Opening Hours:

 Monday -         Closed

Tuesday -         10.00am - 4.00pm

Wednesday -    10.00am - 4.00pm

Thursday -       10.00am - 4.00pm

Friday -           10.00am - 4.00pm

Saturday -       10.00am - 4.00pm