The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

The SPAB gives old buildings a future.

We help people to look after old buildings, making them fit for the future while keeping their historic character.

News

Become a member

Join today to support our positive, practical approach to building conservation. As a member you become part of a network of like-minded people who care for historic buildings. Other benefits include The SPAB Magazine, access to the Property List and the opportunity to join your local Regional Group.

Scholarship

A deep-dive into the knowledge and skills needed to work with traditional buildings for early career architects, surveyors and engineers.

Fellowship

The Fellowship is a training programme designed to broaden the skills and experience of craftspeople involved in historic building repairs. 

Upcoming Events

Visit
Greater Manchester Group Tour of the Church of the Holy Name and Tower Fabric Repairs
23/07/2026
Join the SPAB Greater Manchester Group for a guided tour of the Church of the Holy Name, and tower fabric repairs led by Architect Mark Pearce, from Pearce Architecture. The works have involved extensive repairs to the concrete structure of the tower, including the renewal of the concrete roof deck and repairs to roof coverings, rainwater goods, masonry and walkways.
Visit
Kent and Surrey Group Visit to Joinery Workshop, Canterbury
24/07/2026
Join the Kent and Surrey Group for a visit to a timber joinery workshop specialising in Accoya timber. We will see the production process and discuss the replacement of timber windows and doors in the context of the SPAB philosophy.
Talk
Online Talk - Getting Retrofit Right: A Whole-Building Approach to Traditional Buildings
28/07/2026
Rosanne Walker of Fabtrads explores how older buildings can be upgraded without causing unintended damage, explaining the building physics behind vernacular retrofit and why a whole-building approach is key to effective, compatible and resilient retrofit.