Refund policy

We want you to be happy with your order. If you are not, here is exactly where you stand.

Changing your mind

You have 30 days from the day you receive your order to tell us you would like to return it. That is more than the 14 days the law requires. Once you have told us, you have a further 14 days to send the item back.

To be refunded in full, items must come back unused, in a saleable condition and in their original packaging. Please do not use the item, wash it, wear it beyond trying it on, or write in a book or notebook – we cannot resell it afterwards.

Return postage for a change of mind is paid by you, unless the item is faulty, damaged or not what you ordered. We recommend using a tracked service, as we cannot refund an item that does not reach us.

We will refund the price you paid for the goods plus our standard outbound delivery charge. Refunds are made to your original payment method within 14 days of us receiving the goods back, and usually much sooner.

Gifts and Christmas orders

Anything bought between 1 November and 24 December can be returned up to 31 January, so you can shop early without worrying.

If you are returning a gift you received rather than bought, contact us with the order number from the packing note and we will arrange a refund to the original purchaser or a gift credit, whichever suits.

If something is faulty, damaged or wrong

Email hello@thehistoryshop.co.uk within 30 days with your order number and a photograph of the problem. We will replace the item or refund you in full, including any return postage, and we will not usually need you to send the original back.

This does not affect your legal rights. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 you have 30 days from delivery to reject faulty goods for a full refund, and rights to a repair or replacement after that.

Items we cannot take back

  • Items personalised with a name, date or custom text, unless they are faulty.
  • Gift cards.
  • Items returned after the return window has closed, or returned used, damaged or without their packaging.

Everything else in our range – including our made-to-order prints, mugs, cushions, notebooks and clothing – can be returned if you change your mind. Printing an item to order does not make it personalised, and we do not use that as a reason to refuse a return.

Cancelling before despatch

If you contact us before your order has been despatched we will usually be able to cancel it outright and refund you immediately. Because most items are made to order, production can start quickly, so please tell us as soon as you can.

How to return something

  1. Email hello@thehistoryshop.co.uk with your order number and what you would like to return.
  2. We will reply with the returns address and a returns reference.
  3. Pack the item securely, include the reference, and send it to the UK returns address we give you.
  4. We will email you as soon as it arrives and process your refund.

Last updated: 20 October 2026