57 year old Robb Turnbull read history at Ruskin College Oxford and Northumbria University. He is author of two books ‘Left for the Rising Sun – Right For Swan Hunter’, also, the follow up biography of Noah Ablett, ‘Climbing Mount Sinai’.

‘I’ve previously written for TLS, BBC History Magazine, Medieval History, Jacobin, The Morning Star, Medieval Living; and have just written a book aimed at teenagers and young people on the bloody history of the 14 C Scottish Borders – ‘Flight of the Frescobaldi’ will be published later this year” said Hexham born Robb.

“I still live there along with my wife Kim, who is part of Reiver Reads.”

What is Reiver Reads and what are its main aims?

‘Reiver Reads is a radical and socialist bookshop based in Carlisle’s historic Victorian Market Hall. The shop was opened by Kim and I in July 2023. Our aim is to provide a space for discussion and debate in a friendly and welcoming environment, and to act as a counterweight to the advance of the far right who are rapidly gaining ground in Carlisle.’

‘As the parents of an openly gay child, Kim and I are acutely aware of the rising tide of hostility directed at anyone who may appear different, and so Reiver Reads if it is about anything, is about education to counter that prejudice. As a result, we have recently teamed up with the Sophie Lancaster Foundation and will shortly be selling their merchandise.’

Sophie Lancaster was a young woman who was attacked by a gang of boys in 2007 for being different. Link to full story and website >>>  The Sophie Lancaster Foundation

My house is full of books, have read since I was a kid and still go to the library. Are people like me a dying breed?

‘You raise an interesting point. I would say the majority of our customers are in the 40 plus age bracket which suggests that children and young people are not reading. I think it’s more nuanced than this. I was in Newcastle yesterday with our two year old grandson and the children’s section in Waterstones was busy.’

Regarding future plans we are hoping to start a book delivery service around Carlisle for those with limited mobility. The idea came via a good friend of ours who struggles to walk. It still needs work, but the idea is there.

‘As regards our First Saturday Talks, we are looking to increase our range of speakers, and subjects. I would love it if we could have Dr Janina Ramirez for example.’ 

For more information on Reiver Reads contact the Facebook page.

More reading from Robb Turnbull:  

‘Left for the Rising Sun- Right For Swan Hunter’ – The Plebs League in the North East of England 1908-1926 (Five Leaves Press, Nottingham 2014).

‘Climbing Mount Sinai’ biography of Noah Ablett 1883-1935, (Socialist History Society 2017)

Alikivi   June 2026