discover our learning from home programme
-
Online learning -
OLD HOUSE PROJECTRepairing a 'sleeping beauty' building in Kent
-
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.
Search our Knowledge Base
News
The SPAB is delighted to announce our new SPAB Chair, Nichola Tasker. Nichola brings a wealth of organisational knowledge to the role with her experience as a Trustee and Guardian. Nichola is a conservation architect and SPAB Scholar (1998). She has since taken on leadership roles with Historic Royal Palaces and most recently with English Heritage; for a number of years as the charity's Head of National Projects but since 2020, as Stonehenge Director.
Our founder William Morris’ designs arguably helped to shape our enduring taste for wallpapers. But how did British wallpaper develop, and how was it made?
In anticipation of a talk in March on their collaboration, we looked to our archives to explore John Piper’s involvement in the establishment of our Betjeman Award over 30 years ago, to honour his friend’s love of ancient churches.
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
Announcement
01/05/2021
Face-to-face courses and events that are due to run this spring are currently under review. Click to read more.
Event
28/01/2021
Join our London Group for a (virtual) walk around the Bermondsey Street conservation area, tucked behind London Bridge station in SE1.
Lecture
04/03/2021
SPAB Spring Lecture Series 2021: Transformations Part II
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.