AN INDEPENDENT bookshop is celebrating a week of birthdays and deaths in its promotion of Charlotte Bronte, William Shakespeare – and the Queen.

Castle Hill Bookshop, in Richmond, is remembering literary masters Charlotte Bronte on her 200th birthday, and Shakespeare on the 400th anniversary of his death.

The store is also playing a part in celebrating the Queen’s 90th birthday this week.

Carol Watson from the bookshop, who also celebrated her birthday last week, said: “We always have a good collection of classics including the works of Shakespeare and the Bronte sisters, but we are really giving them a push this week and creating a new window display to invite people to give them a read.

“We also have lots of works on the Queen.”

The shop has also been decked out with bunting fit for a royal garden party – but with the addition of favourite quotes from Charlotte Bronte and Shakespeare.

Ms Watson said: “My favourite Charlotte Bronte novel is Jane Eyre – it is my desert island book.

“I love her quiet determination and her feistiness, and it’s just wonderful to read.”

Castle Hill Bookshop is holding upcoming author events, including Yorkshire shepherdess Amanda Owen with her new book on Tuesday, May 10 at 1.30pm at the Station; and John Dickinson, author of A Yak in the Fridge, on Monday, May 16 at the Swaledale Outdoor Club, New Road, Richmond.

Tickets cost £3 and are available from the bookshop, on 01748-824243,and http://www.castlehillbookshop.co.uk.