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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

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Highly recommending Papers Past.

We recently ordered a birthday newspaper from Papers Past, and have to say how delighted we are with our experience. Ian delt with our order promptly and went above and beyond to make sure our paper arrived on time for Dad's birthday. Not only did it arrive in time but the personal touches were an unexpected surprise. Papers Past offer a first class customer service experience from beginning to end. I'd have no hesitation in recommending this company for such a wonderful, authentic gift idea that's delivered with genuine care for thier product and customer. Also if you see this review sooner rather than later, they have £10 off.

May 10, 2019
Unprompted review
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Reply from Papers Past

Thank you for the review Sacha and I am so pleased that the idea of a Birthday Newspaper for dad went down so well.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent customer service

Excellent customer service, really personal which is a change these days. Ian was really helpful and kept me up to date with the order. Great product and quick delivery. Thank you.

April 26, 2019
Unprompted review
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Reply from Papers Past

Thanks for the glowing five star review Jane, it has helped me finish a busy week on a high. Ian.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

It was a great experience working with…

It was a great experience working with Papers Past. The information given and speed to respond and send was excellent.
Thanks for your amazing service it really is appreciated. The paper us a true and perfect trip down memory lane.

April 8, 2019
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent service and quick delivery

Excellent service and quick delivery. Well packaged and good value for the money as a birthday present.

February 27, 2019
Unprompted review
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Reply from Papers Past

Thank you Edward for taking the trouble to send in this glowing review. I have been away for a few days and Sam dealt with your order, I have sent him a copy of your comments. Kind regards. Ian.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very happy with first time purchase

Ordered a paper for my dad as a slightly belated birthday present.
It needed to be something memorable as it was his 80th.
The ordering itself was very easy and quick.
I expected it to take a few days to arrive, especially as it's just before Christmas, but it came the next day.
Really well packed in very good condition considering its 80 years old (shame the same can't be said for my dad!!!)
There's some very slight wear on some of the inside edges of some pages but again considering the age this is very little and only mentionable but not a distraction or disappointment.
It's fascinating looking through the paper. The writing is very different, there are no stories of David Beckham or any of the Kardashian's and the adds are incredible.
A house costing £98 per annum, I'm on my way to my time machine immediately!!!
My dad is really happy with the paper/ present and has been sitting at the table for about 2 hours reading through it.
He keeps giving a little more information about what he's read.
I hope to use Papers past in the future for other birthdays.
Very pleased with purchase and the service I've received.

December 22, 2018
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Have purchased 2 papers in the last two…

Have purchased 2 papers in the last two weeks from Ian. Have both been received in excellent condition and very quickly. Have spoken to get advice and delighted with the personal response. Can very much recommend Papers Past as a reliable Company.

October 24, 2018
Unprompted review
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Reply from Papers Past

Thank you for the two orders Richard and I am glad that we have helped you solve two gift buying problems. I love working with the newspapers and check every page before sending them out so just can't help reading the headlines! Great reviews like this spur me on so thanks again. Ian.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent service

Excellent service. Speedy, helpful and newspaper received from 1938 arrived in mint condition within a few days of original request. Came with good accompanying bag/packaging etc.

Highly recommend

September 28, 2018
Unprompted review
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Reply from Papers Past

Thank you for the review Matt. Even though the newspaper is 80 years old I agree with you that it is in mint condition, in fact it is a "Royal" Edition of The Times! This was a limited print run, originally for distribution to the Royal Households and on a very high quality, thick white paper. If only that newspaper could talk. Ian.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

HIGHLY recommended!

I came across papers past online after doing a google search for ‘newspapers from the day you were born’.
I was a bit wary at first as you had to contact them via email and they then send a link for you to pay. In the day and age we are in I got to admit I was a little nervous about paying through a emailed link. It was all done through world pay however and was completely secure.
I placed my order late Monday evening and I have just received my order through the post this morning (Wednesday).
Ian is very quick at replying to emails and I just can’t thank you enough for how quickly the delivery was.
The paper it’s self is fascinating, as soon as you open the box you can smell that ‘old paper’ smell and you can see how delicate it is.
It’s arrived in a lovely gift box and comes with a special tissue type paper to wrap the paper in to keep it protected and fresh.

Again thank you so much and I will certainly be coming back if I ever have more special birthdays coming up.

HIGHLY recommended,

Natasha

September 26, 2018
Unprompted review
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Reply from Papers Past

Thank you Natasha for taking the time to send this review.
It still fascinates me to think that this newspaper has been safely stored in an archive for the last seventy years waiting for you to come along. It's lovely now as the paper is going to be in the lime light and be enjoyed by the recipient as well as friends and family.
Ian.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A company that looks after you.

How wonderful to find a company with such fantastic customer service. Ian replied to my enquiry within 15minutes, found me a copy of the Times for the date I was looking for and kept me informed of posting and delivery which was very fast indeed. Really happy with the newspaper when it arrived and I am sure that my Mum is going to love it when I give it to her on her birthday. Thank you Ian.

September 3, 2018
Unprompted review
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Reply from Papers Past

Thanks for the review Lynne and I am pleased that you loved the newspaper. These post war editions of The Times are full of historical reports about the country, and world, getting back on its feet after WW2 and it will make a great gift.
Ian.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic company with a great option of birthday gifts.

Fantastic company with a great option of birthday gifts and even better customer service.
The response to our original e-mail request was almost immediate even though it was a Sunday. We placed our order on Sunday evening, paid for it electronically on Monday and the gift was delivered on Tuesday as promised.
Great work Ian, thank you

June 6, 2018
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful paper and great service

I ordered a paper from the day my dad was born for his 70th birthday. Ian did an amazing job of pulling one together for me straight away and it came in a really lovely presentation box the very next day. My dad was absolutely thrilled with it and the whole family thought it was a wonderful idea. I will definitely be using Past Papers again for any future big birthdays.

April 29, 2018
Unprompted review
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Reply from Papers Past

Wow! Thanks for the glowing review Maria. Papers Past have some great editions from 1948 and I am glad we found a special one for your Dad. Ian.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Best Birthday Gift...

I had been looking extensively for an original copy of The Times for a specific date and spent a vast amount of time contacting different companies to no avail, until I came across Papers Past!

The Customer Service and speedy next day delivery was excellent, and to which I cannot fault.

My father in law will be absolutely thrilled with his 60th Birthday Present!

I will definitely be recommending Papers Past!

March 9, 2018
Unprompted review
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Reply from Papers Past

Thanks for the review Natalie, I am really pleased that we solved your 60th gift problem. 1958 has been the most requested year this week so much so that I have got two March 1958 volumes in my car for easy and quick access!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent service and quality product.

Excellent personal and friendly service from Ian; our newspaper arrived quickly and efficiently and in excellent condition. It was well presented, and even included acid free paper to store the newspaper in, which was a very thoughtful additional touch.

I would not hesitate to recommend Papers Past, and have even ordered another newspaper for myself!

March 2, 2018
Unprompted review
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Reply from Papers Past

Thanks for the positive review Carol and special thanks for the additional order.
Ian.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Thank you very much Ian for your prompt…

Thank you very much Ian for your prompt and professional service, I will definitely be using you again in the future.

Highly recommended.

February 14, 2018
Unprompted review
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Reply from Papers Past

Thank you for the review Esther. I just know that the 1968 Newspaper will make a great 50th gift. In fact 1968 has been our most requested year this month.
Ian.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The level of service is incredible and …

The level of service is incredible and they are so friendly and easy to deal with. Highly recommend anyone who is looking for a unique gift to get in touch. Excellent.

January 28, 2018
Unprompted review
Papers Past logo

Reply from Papers Past

Thank you for taking the trouble to review Papers Past Annette, much appreciated and I am glad that the Special Date Newspaper turned out to be a great gift. Ian.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This is a truly fantastic service

This is a truly fantastic service. The newspapers make an original and interesting gift. I received my order the very next day; the packaging was beautiful and I was sent lovely unexpected extra gifts including a small book and a gift bag. I recommend this company!

January 26, 2018
Unprompted review
Papers Past logo

Reply from Papers Past

Thank you for taking the trouble to send in such a glowing review.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant service

I would highly recommend this company. Dealing with them was a real pleasure- Very fast delivery and Ian was great to deal with. My son loved the present and it was fascinating to look back on the news from his birthdate.I have a strong memory of watching a football game on TV the night before my son was born and it was very poignant to read the report of that game on the back page of the newspaper. All in all a great gift idea that will become a treasured keepsake for my son

January 23, 2018
Unprompted review
Papers Past logo

Reply from Papers Past

Thanks for the review Martin and I am glad your son enjoyed reading his date of birth newspaper.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I cannot recommend Papers Past highly …

I cannot recommend Papers Past highly enough. I had given up hope of finding a rare copy of the Times from 1948 for a relative's birthday, and finally emailed the company on a Saturday, having found them on the Internet. I had an immediate positive response from Ian, and then proceeded with the secure payment method. On Tuesday morning my copy was delivered, beautifully boxed with an authentication certificate. This is the newspaper business at its best. Alison R. Brighton

January 23, 2018
Unprompted review
Papers Past logo

Reply from Papers Past

Thank you for the positive review and for being part of our busiest day for ten years.
The 1948 Newspapers are just perfect for very special 70th gifts.
Ian.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I was let down by 3 other paper …

I was let down by 3 other paper companies but when i found papers past is was a massive relieve that they had a paper in stock. The speedy and friendly service from Ian was very impressive as i ordered my paper over christmas, it was delivered on time and it came in a lovely gift box with certificate and an extra supplement. I would recommend this to anybody. Great small family company.

December 27, 2017
Unprompted review
Papers Past logo

Reply from Papers Past

Thanks for this very positive review. I remember the order well as it was the last newspaper that I despatched before Christmas. I had already closed up the newspaper archive when the order pinged through on my phone but I went back in and retrieved the special date newspaper, packed it and posted it off and then restarted Christmas. I am glad Royal Mail got it delivered in time. Ian.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Highly highly recommended.

Very helpful and friendly service. Newspaper arrived quickly and well packaged with a quirky recycled newspaper gift bag and protective tissue paper also enclosed. Can't wait to give this as a Christmas gift. Highly highly recommended service. Will definitely be using them again.

November 25, 2017
Unprompted review
Papers Past logo

Reply from Papers Past

Thanks for taking the time to review Papers Past Sandra.
This 1943 newspaper was located deep down in the archive however it was worth the effort to retrieve it as it will make the perfect Christmas gift.
Ian Willsher, Archivist.

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