discover our learning from home programme
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Online learning -
OLD HOUSE PROJECTRepairing a 'sleeping beauty' building in Kent
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Support the SPABHelp us to keep going through challenging times. Become a Member.
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings
We believe old buildings have a future. From cottages to castles and from churches to cathedrals we are here to help buildings and the people who care for them. Based on years of experience and research we understand how old buildings work.
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News
SPAB member Patrick Stow introduces his new series of books drawing from his careeer as a conservation engineer. Here he explains why he became fascinated by this work and what has prompted him to publish what our reviewer called ‘a most unusual but fascinating book’.
In anticipation of what would have been our founder William Morris' 187th birthday, Helen Elletson, curator at the William Morris Society, writes of the life at his home in Hammersmith, London.
SPAB member Chris Wood remembers well-known mason Colin Burns.
Join our mailing list
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 & Fellowship
Education programmes for architects, surveyors, engineers and craftspeople to further their 'hands-on' understanding of historic building conservation.
Shop
Visit our online shop to browse our range of helpful books and guides to caring for old buildings. We also offer a selection of gifts.
Upcoming Events
Course
13/04/2021
Third session in the series 'Heritage and Sustainability in Action' focussing on sustainable materials and their use in a collection of built heritage case studies.
Course
20/04/2021
Fourth session in the series 'Heritage and Sustainability in Action' focussing on service installation case studies.
Lecture
22/04/2021
An online presentation showcasing the creative re-use of old buildings.
Campaigns
Campaign
The SPAB runs national campaigns raising awareness about important issues surrounding the protection of old buildings.
Your campaign
If you’re worried about a deteriorating building in your local area, want to contest a planning application, build your own local campaign or set up a building preservation trust then the The SPAB Campaign Toolkit can offer guidance.
Mills
Technical advice
All old buildings need regular care and maintenance in order to prevent serious disrepair. Windmills and watermills are by their nature exposed to wear from wind and water in addition to facing problems common to historic buildings.
The SPAB Mills Section has put together a suite of resources and guidance tailored to those caring for old windmills and watermills.
Visit a mill
Become a Mills Section member
The SPAB’s Mills Section is the only Society concerned solely with protecting and promoting traditional windmills and watermills in the UK. The Section provides advice and training to mill owners and heritage professionals, and campaigns for the protection of milling heritage. Join the Section now to support its work and receive a range of membership benefits.