"Why SPAB? The Society is about buildings, but people made the buildings we care for, people love them, people look after them now and hope to pass them on to those who come after"
- John Sell, legacy pledge
You can give old buildings a future. Leaving a gift in your Will to the SPAB is a powerful way to ensure that our work can continue.
Since 1877, the SPAB has fought for the protection of historic buildings. Today we uphold the principles established by William Morris, continuing his campaign for the care and repair of old buildings. Legacies have always been vital to our work. Demands for the SPAB’s help and support are ever-increasing. To meet them we rely on the assistance of those passionate about the charity’s aims and ideals.
Thousands of old buildings, from the simplest to the grandest, have benefited from our help. The value we place on so many different types of buildings stands us apart from others. We care about the cottage, barn, parish church and mill along with cathedrals, palaces and stately homes. By respecting a building’s history and fabric we aim to protect the very special qualities that give it a timeless beauty and enrich our cultural identity.
As public funding declines and demands on limited resources increase, gifts in Wills are more important than ever to the SPAB. Bequests from our generous supporters vary from year to year, but regularly contribute around a quarter of our income. Whatever their size, they really do make a significant impact on our work.
Read about
John Sell's decision to make a gift in his will
Roger Mears' legacy pledge
The Millwright Fellowship and the repairs at Kibworth Hardcourt mill have both been made possible by gifts in wills