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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

From start to finish I was so impressed with this company . Ian responded promptly to enquiry and it’s clear from chatting this is a labour of love not just a business . He was able to confirm stra... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I wanted a newspaper to mark a special birthday, after struggling elsewhere Ian and the Papers Past team were the only company that could (or were willing to) help me. Ian listed to my requirements a... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I wanted to send my parents a memorable Diamond wedding anniversary present that didn't include the usual alcohol, flowers or chocolate. What a find Papers Past are. Amazing service. I cannot thank Ia... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I’d looked at getting a paper from my Dad’s birthdate as part of his 90th birthday gifts but was left in the lurch after being mucked around by another similar company who shall remain nameless! W... See more

Company replied

Company details

  1. Collectibles Store
  2. Antique Store
  3. Heritage Museum

Information provided by various external sources

We specialise in gifts for people who are difficult to buy for. Just what do you buy the person who has got everything. How about an original Times Newspaper for their date of birth all nicely gift packed and posted off.


Contact info

4.9

Excellent

TrustScore 5 out of 5

77 reviews

5-star
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1-star

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

First class gift experience

From start to finish I was so impressed with this company . Ian responded promptly to enquiry and it’s clear from chatting this is a labour of love not just a business .
He was able to confirm straight away that Mum’s 90th birthday date was available.
I ordered, paid a little extra for next day delivery and it arrived promptly .
Beautiful presentation box and pristine copy of the times from 1936, loved the newspaper smell. Mum loves history and I know she’s going to love this present .

March 16, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Papers Past

Thank you for the First Class review.
It's true, I love working with the newspapers and I am so pleased that it's going to make such a great 90th gift.
Ian Willsher Papers Past.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Flawless!

I wanted to purchase a newspaper, specifically the The Times newspaper for my father in law for his 70th birthday.
Other websites and larger companies, didn’t respond to my enquiries but upon submitting a request, I heard back the same day from Ian saying he was reviewing the archive for me.
He also explained that due to the date requested being a Sunday no papers were kept those dates but enclosed a beautiful explanation as a part of the gift also. Additionally it came beautifully presented in a leather folder and with a certificate of authenticity along with how Ian and his wife had packaged the paper up carefully.
The delivery and payment was fast and seamless also with updates being sent through also.
I would highly recommend this company, not only for the communication but for the care and presentation of the newspapers. I will be purchasing more in the future!

February 12, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Papers Past

Wow! Thank you for the super review Georgina. I am so glad that you like the Newspaper Gift. Ian Willsher Papers Past.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Exceptional

I was looking for a newspaper dated 22nd August 1964 for my Nan and Grandad’s wedding day, as a very special keepsake for my Nan after my Grandad sadly passed away. I’d tried several websites with no luck, so emailing this small business was a last resort.

Ian got back to me incredibly quickly and told me he did have the exact newspaper I was looking for — I couldn’t believe it. He was so kind and helpful throughout!

The newspaper arrived super quickly, well in time for Christmas, and I couldn’t be happier. I know this gift will mean so much to my Nan, and I’m extremely grateful to Ian for going above and beyond to help. I can’t recommend this business highly enough — amazing service from start to finish.

December 16, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Papers Past

Thank you Zoe for taking the time, at this busy time of the year, to write such a nice review. I started the business in March 1981 and it still gives me great pleasure to read that we are "getting it right". The 1964 Newspapers are amazing, you might even have a mention or article about the Beatles!
Ian.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great, knowledgeable, fast, and they cared ...

I wanted a newspaper to mark a special birthday, after struggling elsewhere Ian and the Papers Past team were the only company that could (or were willing to) help me. Ian listed to my requirements and suggested the most suitable newspaper and packaging options. Payment was simple and the newspaper arrived a few days later in a great presentation box and secure in a folio cover. Top notch service, five out of five stars, I could not have asked for anything more. Thanks Ian.

October 14, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Papers Past

Hi Adam
Its great that Papers Past managed to beat their much larger competitors to get your order and get such a great newspaper package to you. Our Deluxe Package is often the same price as the competitors basic package so a good deal all round!
Ian.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing all round!

Such a wonderful present to give for special birthdays, amazing customer service so efficient and helpful. We have recommended them to so many people, they never fail to exceed expectations.

October 1, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Papers Past

Thank you for the mighty fine review but most of all thank you for recommending Papers Past to other people!
Ian Willsher Papers Past Archive Manager

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Unique wedding anniversary gift.

I wanted to send my parents a memorable Diamond wedding anniversary present that didn't include the usual alcohol, flowers or chocolate. What a find Papers Past are. Amazing service. I cannot thank Ian enough. The folks love their unique gift. Highly recommended.

July 17, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant service and products

I placed my order a couple of days ago, and the newspaper arrived today! It was very well packaged and presented, and even comes with a newspaper gift bag and certificate of authentication. I love that there is extra information about the newspapers included in the package. Ian kept me informed with the order and payment confirmation. This is a family business that really cares about the products they are selling and the service they provide. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

July 17, 2025
Unprompted review
Papers Past logo

Reply from Papers Past

Thank you for the order Jodie and thank you for taking the trouble to post such a heartfelt review.
Ian Willsher Papers Past

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely fantastic service from Ian

Absolutely fantastic service from Ian! Text him on Sunday with a question and received the paper today! Really fascinating to be holding a piece of history from 75 years ago! Even the box it comes in is delightful. I think my step father will be delighted with his gift. Thank you so much!

July 3, 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A pleasure to do business

Fantastic business and a pleasure to trade with. I ordered a newspaper from the day my daughter was born and from first contact with Ian, to receiving it in New Zealand, it took 10 days! Ian was so quick to answer my questions and the service is second to none. The newspaper arrived in great condition and there was even some acid free paper to wrap it in to preserve it. Will definitely be back.

November 25, 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Super impressive service and product!

I’d looked at getting a paper from my Dad’s birthdate as part of his 90th birthday gifts but was left in the lurch after being mucked around by another similar company who shall remain nameless!

Wish I had found Papers Past first, I ordered yesterday lunchtime and received today - incredible quick delivery, brilliant communication and nicely presented with lots of nice extra touches. Dad loved it! Thanks Ian and staff for saving the day!

April 21, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from Papers Past

Hi David. You are very kind to leave a review. I really enjoy retrieving the 1933 Newspapers, they are totally fascinating. Thanks also to Royal Mail for getting the package safely through to you the next day. Ian.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant idea for a special birthday

Brilliant idea for a special birthday. I rang Ian and he was so helpful. I paid online and the paper arrived within a couple of days. My Dad was so chuffed - an original newspaper from 1943! All packaged very well with a couple of extras thrown in, including a book all about his birth date. Really impressed - would definitely recommend/use again.

February 18, 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent service very prompt responses…

Excellent service very prompt responses to enquiries and very fast postage. Would highly recommend its a great gift.

February 6, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from Papers Past

Hi Peter and very many thanks for the review. Its great to know that the Special Date Newspaper was well received and has solved a gift buying problem, after all just what can you get someone who is eighty! Ian Willsher Papers Past

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Birthdate paper

Ian had the paper for the date we needed and sent it out to us so it arrived the morning after I’d paid.
Presented very nicely, would recommend.

February 4, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from Papers Past

Thank you so much for the Trustpilot review, this will really help Papers Past in our efforts competing against the other two main players in the Birthday Newspaper market.
Ian Willsher Papers Past

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I stumbled across Papers Past when…

I stumbled across Papers Past when searching the web for a gift idea. Brilliant service, speedy communication and the boxed newspaper arrived the morning after I placed the order. Thank you very much, will 100% order again.

August 31, 2022
Unprompted review
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Reply from Papers Past

Thank you very much Ken for your review. It's great to hear that the newspaper gift was well received. Ian Willsher, Papers Past Archive Manager.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A 1st class service with a great product

I purchased a Times from May 1947 for my mom's 75th birthday. The service, communication and quality from Papers Past was 1st class. The additional birthday book and charity gift bag was also a lovely gesture. I can't recommend Ian and the team highly enough. Will definitely buy from again.

May 22, 2022
Unprompted review
Papers Past logo

Reply from Papers Past

Hi Kirsty, thank you for taking the time to post this review. Much appreciated. Ian.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Papers Past Great Company with excellent Communication

Great Company had a better selection of papers at better prices than their larger competitor. Delivery and communication was First Class. I will always check Papers Past First. Excellent condition newspapers and well packed. One of the papers was a Saturday Times and it had all 3 sections.

Thank you

September 28, 2021
Unprompted review
Papers Past logo

Reply from Papers Past

Thanks very much Mark, I really appreciate your review.
You raise a good point about the extra sections/supplements with the Saturday paper. Papers Past will always pass on these extra parts of the paper free of charge whenever possible (we are shortly hoping to move the newspaper archives so that's a few less to put on the lorry)!
Ian.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Don't understand the website

I don't understand the website. Nowhere to put the recipients name or message

June 28, 2021
Unprompted review
Papers Past logo

Reply from Papers Past

Hello and thank you for your comments. It's good news! The Certificate of Authenticity has space for adding "Newspaper Dated", "Presented to", "On the occasion of" & "From". If the gift is going direct to the recipient then we can do this for you or you can complete it yourself if you are going to give the gift in person. If you have a longer message then let me know and I will put it on to one of our Newspaper themed, Billboard Letterheadings.
I hope this clears the matter up. If you would like any further information then do call me any day of the week between 9am and 9pm on 07733888902 or email me at paperspast@hotmail.com .
Very kind regards. Ian Willsher. Papers Past.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great Company:)

This is the second time that I have used this company, within the last 9 months for a birthday gifts. Very efficient service and keeping you in the loop. The 'Your Birthday Book' is a extra special touch. I am sure this gift will be greatly received as the last one I purchased. Both of which for 60th Birthdays. Thank you Papers Past.

June 10, 2021
Unprompted review
Papers Past logo

Reply from Papers Past

Hi Andrea, Your repeat order and review are very much appreciated and will help Papers Past get recognised in the busy online marketplace.
Ian Willsher Owner and Newspaper Archive Manager Papers Past.

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