Blog

John Ruskin was born on this day in 1819. Dr Peter Burman, architectural historian, reflects on the importance of this founding member of the SPAB.

Writer Gillian Darley visits our archive to explore the history of this coastal Saxon church

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.

If you take a country walk along the public footpath south-west of the historic town of Coggeshall in Essex, you’ll find an elegant iron footbridge crossing the River Blackwater.

The 30-foot bridge was crafted by local blacksmith and social activist Henry ‘Dick’ Nunn (1836-1896) in 1892. Nunn was a campaigner for the welfare of people and animals, and an early advocate of public rights of way in the countryside.

Our Norfolk regional group volunteers report on a successful working party to carry out soft capping trials at a ruin

In October we received our first application relating to a listed building to be demolished for HS2. This was a Grade II listed farm near Banbury. Unfortunately, under the High Speed Rail Act 2017, which modified the controls related to listed buildings, we have little or no scope for objection. We deeply regret the demolitions necessitated by the construction of HS2.

A former chapel, a 20th century post office, a Victorian home, the site of a ginger-beer making business and the home of a relic.

Now a peaceful wooded gorge, Lumsdale near Matlock in Derbyshire was once a hive of industry, harnessing the power of the falling water. Since the 1930s the site has become a romantic ruin, and is now cared for by local volunteers like Alan and Christine, who have published a history of this unique place.

Renting and unsure how and if you can carry out building maintenance? We’ve put together some tips for renters who’d like to do more maintenance to look after their home.