Aardvark was founded in 2004 by Sheridan Swinson and Edward Tobin. Following Edward's death in 2014, the shop is now owned by Sarah and Sheridan Swinson.

In the autumn of 2007 they moved to their existing premises on the edge of the village in the old Manor Farm Buildings. The Bookery was created from a nineteenth century farm building. Using the services of craftsmen who lived and worked on the estate, a special space was designed. Previously the barn had had many uses, including being a grain store and turkey farm, but such was the quality of the original workmanship that little structural work needed to be undertaken during the conversion.

The stock now has over 50,000 titles — new, second-hand, and rare — with outstanding selections in most categories including Art, Design, Cookery, History, Fiction and Local Interest. New books are added to stock every day.

No visit to Aardvark Books is complete without enjoying their excellent little café serving teas, coffees, hot chocolate, delicious homemade cakes and light lunches.

In early 2026 Sarah and Sheridan Swinson moved to pastures new, and The Bookery was taken over by Rachel and Polly under its new name of Elderwood Books.