The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

Who we are

We give old buildings a future. 

From cottages to castles and from churches to cathedrals we are here to help buildings and the people who care for them. Through our unique training schemes, advice and research we help people put our expertise into practice.

Founded by William Morris in 1877, the SPAB was established in response to harmful restoration which caused irreparable damage to historic buildings. Today the SPAB represents the practical face of building conservation across the UK and Ireland. We encourage excellence in new design to enrich and complement the built historic environment, and we champion sustainability. We train new generations of architectural professionals and building craftspeople to shape this landscape with sensitivity and skill, and we play a statutory role as adviser to local planning authorities. In our casework we campaign actively to protect old buildings at risk.

Our friendly staff team of around 30 is based all around the UK and Ireland, with a head office in a beautiful Georgian townhouse in Spitalfields, London. We come together online, at the office and at practical working parties (where everyone can roll up their sleeves and have a go). We are supported by an extraordinary group of over 100 dedicated volunteers who provide their time, practical support and professional expertise.