An Oxfordshire bookshop had a surprise visit from Sir Patrick Stewart after he saw his book in the shop window.

The theatre, film and television actor, 83, who is known for starring in Star Trek, the X-Men movies and Charlie’s Angels, popped into The Woodstock Bookshop to offer to sign copies of his memoir.

Sir Patrick posted a video of him surprising the bookseller Merle Esson who was sending meial at the time.

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The clip shows Ms Esson bringing him more copies of his autobiography from the back of the shop for him to sign.

“This is so super duper", she is heard saying.

Speaking to the Oxford Mail, Ms Esson, from Charlbury, said: “I looked around and in walked Patrick Stweart who bought a copy of his book, that is displayed in our front window, and asked if we’d like him to sign it.

“Fortunately we had serval other copies in stock so he signed them all. He is a lovely charming man.

“We had a lovely chat, it was very nice and he expressed an interest in us hosting an event with him in the new year, which is even more thrilling.

“The post went viral in no time and the books we did have went in 45 minutes. The phone and emails have not stopped, even someone from Australia.”

Ms Esson, who has worked in the bookshop for 13 years, reveals that the actor “buys so many books” from the store.

 

Oxford Mail: The Woodstock Bookshop in West Oxfordshire (Image: @SirPatStew/X)The Woodstock Bookshop in West Oxfordshire (Image: @SirPatStew/X) (Image: @SirPatStew/X)

She said: “He has been in before, when he is in Oxfordshire I think he likes to visit Woodstock and I don’t think he would pass an independent bookshop without going in.

“He is such a supporter of our cause, if you can call it that.

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“He loves literature, he is a great reader. He buys so many books. It was lovely to see him and that was a special surprise.

“It was very exciting, a lovely experience.”

The Woodstock Bookshop, which is located on Oxford Street, was opened in May 2008, by Rachel Phipps.

Ms Phipps announced in January 2020 that she was looking to find new owners for her popular store.

The store was bought by Oxford University professor Hagan Bayley in January 2022.

Ms Esson said: “It is a leap of faith buying an independent bookshop because, in this day and age, you are battling against so much competition.

“I think he knew a little jewel when he saw one. We have a large loyal customer base, we provide excellent service and we love books. All you could want from a small bookshop.”

The store was on the regional shortlist for Independent Bookshop of the Year in 2009, 2013 and 2017, and listed in the Independent's Top 50 UK Bookshops.

The bookshop also started and runs the Woodstock Poetry Festival, a completely independent festival that has now been running since 2012 and is set to return in November 2023.