Campaigning
Since 1877 the SPAB has campaigned tirelessly for the protection of old buildings and for the conservation of our shared built heritage. SPAB founders William Morris and Philip Webb's initial focus was on opposing the damage being inflicted by destructive restorations of the Victorian era and promoting instead an approach of 'conservative repair' in a time when old buildings were routinely demolished or partially destroyed to suit current tastes.
We continue to build on our long history through our casework and national campaigns, always promoting the value and good sense of caring for the fabric of old buildings. All our campaigns are underpinned by our 1877 Manifesto and the more recent SPAB Approach - a simple, practical message of maintenance, repair and sustainability.
On 7 December, the SPAB received the judgement of The Worshipful Mark Hill QC, Chancellor of the Diocese of Chichester which ruled that proposals for underfloor heating in the historic heart of Holy Trinity, Poynings, Sussex were not to be permitted.
Get involved
The SPAB Approach to building conservation is about understanding, care and conservative repair. It is a simple message of sustainability.
The SPAB Campaign Toolkit is designed to give local communities the information they need to work confidently within the planning system.
Creating a network of informed volunteer groups to look after places of worship.
A five-year project aimed at helping volunteers care for and better understand historic places of worship.
In 2018, the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), the UK’s oldest conservation charity, took on a Grade II* ‘building at risk’ near Maidstone, Kent. This ‘sleeping beauty’ had been empty for around 50 years. Today, this remarkable property, now transformed into a comfortable three bedroomed home, is ready for a new chapter and is looking for new owners.