About us
Welcome aboard Hold Fast - Leeds’ fantastic floating bookshop!
Moored at the heart of Leeds Dock, Hold Fast is a one-of-a-kind independent bookshop set inside the Marjorie R - a beautifully restored historic coal barge. Step aboard and you’ll find a treasure trove of new and used books, plants, gifts, and curiosities.
Whether you’re searching for a modern bestseller, a timeless classic, or the perfect gift, Hold Fast is filled with discoveries waiting to be enjoyed. On sunny days, relax with a book on our deck full of plants, and when the Yorkshire weather turns, settle by the fire in the hull for a cosy read or a chat.
Marjorie R’s Story (pun intended)
Hold Fast bookshop takes its name from an old nautical phrase, from the Dutch “houd vast,” meaning “hold tight.” Traditionally tattooed on sailors’ knuckles, it was a reminder to stay steady through life’s storms by using one hand to save the ship and one to steady themselves.
The Marjorie R was named after Marjorie Reed, the wife of Reginald Reed, a consultant director for Hargreaves coal board. She was the first boat built in the UK after the Second World War - in 1946 by Harker's Yard of Knottingley for Hargreaves Transport Company.
After many years in service as a West Yorkshire Coal Barge, transporting 75 tonnes of coal each journey between Fall Ings, Wakefield and Thornhill Power Station, Dewsbury under her skipper Norman Claxton she retired. After a few brief periods of being lived on, she was neglected, sunk (and re-floated twice!) before being burnt out and left to rust back in Harker's Yard.
In 2012, Chris and Vicky Bonner acquired the 57ft by 14ft vessel and began a painstaking restoration journey. Using local, reclaimed materials as far as possible, and doing their utmost to preserve as much of the original metalwork, they repaired and developed the boat. After 5 years of living in Leeds Dock, Chris and Vicky felt like it was lacking a community hub and decided to open Hold Fast books, removing the interior walls and converting their former home’s hull into a spacious, yet cosy shop floor and event space. The upper deck is home to a lovingly tended garden with ample seating, and the helm is a greenhouse with plants for sale.
In November 2022, Marjorie R was named Flagship of the Year by National Historic Ships UK, celebrating her enduring heritage and charm.
Meet the team
Chris Bonner
Chris hails from Grimsby and is a former much loved skipper for Leeds’ water taxi service. A keen snooker player, musician and gardener, Chris also used to make and deliver vegan ice-cream by bike. A fan of books that encourage people to nurture their connection with the land and live consciously, Chris is often found reading books by punk writers.
Victoria Bonner
Victoria hails from Horsforth, and is a former librarian, creative writing teacher and mental health counsellor with a lifelong love of reading. A fan of translated fiction, Victoria especially loves folklore and fairytales.
Chris and Vicky met at 18 and have been married for 28 years, mostly living and working on the water, and love spending time with their children and grandchildren. Their shared passions for books, local heritage, community and sustainability are at the heart of Hold Fast.
Reviews
"I've been wanting to go here for ages and I wasn't disappointed! Cute little floating book and plant shop. I love how all the plants have quirky names! Definitely worth a visit if you're visiting Leeds"
"A unique beautiful bookshop on a barge, on the canal in Leeds. Step on to the deck bedecked with pots and containers full of varieties of flowers, ferns and foliage, with plenty of seating to take in the beauty of it all. Then pop inside to discover a well stocked bookshop with friendly staff, keen to offer reading recommendations. Great place to visit, pick up a book and maybe even a plant with its own name added to its pot."
"Unique idea and a good selection of books, considering the limited space. I really loved the seating area outside with the beautiful flowers."
"We travelled from Sheffield to Leeds specifically to visit Hold fast Bookshop, and it did not disappoint. This is probably the cutest bookstore I've ever been to. Located on a unique canal boat with charming outdoor seating, it offers a delightful and distinctive experience. Though small, the bookstore boasts a remarkable selection of books. The upper deck is dedicated to a beautiful set of indoor plants, while the lower deck houses an impressive variety of books. I found current popular reads, timeless classics, non-fiction, children's books, and even a selection of second-hand books. I happily picked up a few books and a couple of plants during my visit. The owners are lovely. This incredible independent bookshop is a must-visit for anyone in Leeds."
"What an amazing find! A bookshop and a plant shop rolled into one and sited on Leeds Dock in a wonderful old barge! Now barges aren’t very big but this has a huge range of books below deck of all types,yet it doesn’t feel cluttered. There’s even room for a beautiful stove at the far end. The upper section is full of plants starting at just £1.50 and every single plant has been given a name eg Susan or Kevin! The owners are lovely; welcoming and full of local knowledge. They’ve obviously built up a great reputation as there was a steady stream of customers whilst we were there. We bought 2 lovely plants as housewarming gifts."
"Splendid and Curious Little Boat Book Shop! I've never seen anything like that before; a bookstore in a long boat (the kinds I've seen since my family and I arrived in the UK for a visit). Very clean, nice décor, and friendly staff. Was surprised to find a nice assortment of books for all ages."