News - Archive

We look back on the work of Scottish architect William Weir (1865-1950), one of our most respected caseworkers, and was part of a group of dedicated experts active in the first 50 years of the SPAB.

Now a major heritage destination as a picturesque ruin, Rievaulx was founded in the 12th century as the first Cistercian monastery in the north of England. We look in our records to review our work in 1908-9 which stabilised the building and prevented collapse in several areas of the structure. 

Frederick Duleep Singh is one the most interesting personalities from the SPAB archives. The younger son of the last Maharaja of the Sikh Empire, Prince ‘Freddie' was a dedicated SPAB member and saved a 15th-century townhouse.

Despite a campaign to save it, this splendid building was demolished in 1890 and its oak frontage hangs in the V&A museum; an early example of facadism in this area of London.

Our archive documents the work of the Society since its foundation in 1877 and is an invaluable source of information and inspiration.

Our archive contains a file on building known as Willy Lott’s House in Flatford, Suffolk. which was was made famous by its depiction in John Constable’s paintings, most notably ‘The Hay Wain’.

Many people don’t know that before Hardy became famous for his novels and poems, he had an earlier career as an architect. He was also a committed SPAB member and volunteer.

To mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, we take a look into our archive to reflect on the SPAB’s work during the war years and its response to the effects of the conflict.

We were given a a flattering cartoon in 1957 in honour of the SPAB’s 80^th anniversary.

Our archive contains a collection of magic lantern slides which are being catalogued by volunteers. We are rediscovering some wonderful images of ancient buildings and structures around Britain.