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.

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

Talk
SPAB Sussex Group Talk - Ptolemy Dean on Streetscapes: Navigating Historic English Towns
03/07/2026
Join SPAB Sussex for a talk by a distinguished SPAB Scholar - architect, author and Westminster Abbey Surveyor of the Fabric, Ptolemy Dean. Drawing on his new book Streetscapes: Navigating Historic English Towns, Ptolemy will explore how historic towns are experienced and understood, reviving the art of reading and appreciating England's urban spaces.
Course
Maintaining Scotland's Historic Places of Worship - Helensburgh
10/07/2026
In this introductory one-day course, we’ll explore how your historic church building works and the practical steps you can take to look after it.
Course
Historic Brick Masonry Repair, Elvaston Castle
10/07/2026
Join us for this two-day practical course on assessing, preparing and repairing traditional brick walls under the expert tuition of Terrence Lee. You will come away with the ability to identify and repair damage to historic brickwork to retain the beauty and structural integrity of your masonry, while staving off further decay.
Technical advice

Caring for all old buildings can be challenging, but traditional mills can be particularly tricky as windmills and watermills are by definition exp

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.