About Us


Christmas Opening Hours


Christmas Eve: 9 – 4pm

Christmas Day: CLOSED

Boxing Day: CLOSED

Monday 27th: CLOSED

Tuesday 28th Dec: 10 – 4pm

Wednesday 29th Dec: 10 – 4pm

Thursday 30th Dec: 10 – 4pm

Friday 31st: 10 – 4pm

Saturday 1st Jan: CLOSED

Sunday 2nd Jan: CLOSED

Monday 3rd Jan: 9 – 5:30pm


We cannot guarantee pre-Christmas delivery for any parcels posted out from now.


The White Horse Bookshop has been a part of the fabric of Marlborough since 1943, firstly in The Parade and in its current location on the High Street since 1949 (we think!).

The shop had had four previous owners before Robert Hiscox and Brian Kingham bought it when the previous owner retired, and the shop was in danger of disappearing altogether. We spent the first couple of months renovating, redesigning and restocking the shop, introducing a second floor of books and moving the art department to its current home in the basement (or Lower Ground Floor as we call it when feeling genteel). In April 2014 we had an official opening, with Dame Jacqueline Wilson doing the honours – an exciting and memorable day. A couple of years later we completed the building of a new gallery space to the rear of the building, which has been used for events, exhibitions and parties. We have also updated and enlarged the art studio on the first floor where we hold one- day art workshops throughout the year.

We’re proudly ‘independent’, which, at its simplest, means not being subject to a central buying policy, so we can select the books that we know our customers (who we value beyond measure) will really appreciate. It also means that we try to be intelligent and discriminating (but not overly so), friendly, open and perhaps just a touch irreverent. Above all we try to ensure that shopping (and working) here is always fun.

Since the re-opening the business has become an even greater success. We have wonderfully loyal customers who brighten our days and are so pleased to still be here in this lovely town in the middle of beautiful Wiltshire.