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About this design
BLACK DEATH in bold distressed red, a crisp line-art rat in the centre, and ALLERGIC TO RATS SINCE 1347 in weathered white type.
It takes half a second to land, then gets a proper laugh from the right person. The plague reached Europe's ports in 1347. For history fans with a dark sense of humour.
The story behind this shirt
The Black Death tore through Europe from 1347 to 1353 and killed up to half the population in the places it reached. For more than a century the black rat took the blame. Modern research is less certain. A study of bone samples from sites across Northern Europe and Scandinavia found rat bones absent or rare at most of them. At the medieval port of Kaupang in Norway, more than 2,000 animal bones sieved through a fine mesh produced not one rat. The evidence now points to human body lice and human fleas as the probable main carriers. The rats, it turns out, may have a better alibi than their reputation suggests.
Read the full story: The Rat Did Not Do It: 7 Truths About the Black Death That Science Now Confirms
Fabric and fit
Every shirt is printed to order on a Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton T-shirt.
- Medium-weight fabric, 180 g/m² (5.3 oz).
- Black: 100% cotton.
- Classic unisex fit with a crew neck. Between sizes? Go up for a relaxed fit.
- Tear-away label, seamless body, ribbed collar and taped shoulders.
- Printed directly onto the fabric (DTG printing).
Size guide
| Size | Chest width | Length | Sleeve |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 18 in45.7 cm | 28 in71.1 cm | 15.1 in38.4 cm |
| M | 20 in50.8 cm | 29 in73.7 cm | 16.5 in41.9 cm |
| L | 22 in55.9 cm | 30 in76.2 cm | 18 in45.7 cm |
| XL | 24 in61 cm | 31 in78.7 cm | 19.5 in49.5 cm |
| 2XL | 26 in66 cm | 32 in81.3 cm | 21 in53.3 cm |
| 3XL | 28 in71.1 cm | 33 in83.8 cm | 22.4 in56.9 cm |
| 4XL | 30 in76.2 cm | 34 in86.4 cm | 23.7 in60.2 cm |
| 5XL | 32 in81.3 cm | 35 in88.9 cm | 25 in63.5 cm |
How we measure
- Chest width: across the chest, one inch below the armhole, with the shirt laid flat.
- Length: from the highest point of the shoulder to the bottom hem.
- Sleeve: from the centre back of the neck to the sleeve hem.
- Tolerance: measurements can vary by about 1.5 in (3.8 cm).
Fit advice
- For a more relaxed fit, size up.
- Compare these measurements with a favourite T-shirt you already own.
- If you are between sizes, the larger size is usually more comfortable.
Care
- Machine wash cold, at no more than 30°C.
- Non-chlorine bleach only, if needed.
- Tumble dry on low heat.
- Do not iron.
- Do not dry clean.
Delivery
Estimated delivery to you: 4 to 9 working days.
Delivery is free worldwide. Each shirt is made to order, and these times include production:
- United Kingdom: 4 to 9 working days
- United States: 4 to 10 working days
- European Union: 4 to 10 working days
- Rest of the world: please allow up to 45 days
Times are estimates, not guarantees, and can be longer around holidays. You will get tracking details by email when your order ships. Orders sent outside the UK may be subject to customs duties or import taxes, which are the customer’s responsibility.
Returns
Changed your mind? You can cancel for any reason within 14 days of receiving your shirt. Email sales@historiesandcastles.com with your order number, then send it back unworn and unwashed within 14 days. You pay the return postage, and we refund you within 14 days of receiving it back or receiving proof of posting, whichever is sooner.
Wrong size? Each shirt is made to order, so a different size is a new order: cancel and return the first shirt as above, and order the size you need.
Faulty, damaged or misprinted? Tell us as soon as you notice, with photographs if you can. We pay for the return, and you can reject it for a full refund within 30 days of delivery. After that, and for up to six months, we will repair or replace it, or refund you if that is not possible.
Product safety (GPSR)
- Product
- Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton T-shirt, printed to order
- EU authorised representative
- HONSON VENTURES LIMITED
3, Gnaftis House flat 102, Limassol, Mesa Geitonia, 4003, Cyprus
gpsr@honsonventures.com - Warranty
- Two-year warranty in the EU and Northern Ireland
- Warnings
- For adults
- Care
- Machine wash cold (max 30°C), non-chlorine bleach as needed, tumble dry on low heat, do not iron, do not dry clean
