Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings: Facts, Discussion Forum, and Encyclopedia Article

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Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

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	Topics Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings Topic Home The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) (sometimes known as Anti-Scrape) was founded by William MorrisWilliam Morris William Morris was an English artist, writer, socialist activist and pioneer of Eco-socialism, one of the principal founder... and Philip WebbPhilip Webb Philip Speakman Webb was an English architect — sometimes called the 'Father of Arts and Crafts Architecture'.... in 1877, to oppose what they saw as the insensitive renovation of ancient buildings then occurring in VictorianVictorian architecture The term Victorian architecture can refer to one of a number of architectural styles predominantly in the Victorian era.... EnglandEngland England is the largest and most populous constituent country of the United Kingdom.... . Morris was particularly concerned about the practice, which he described as "forgery", of attempting to restore buildings to an idealised state from the distant past. Instead, he proposed that ancient buildings should be protected, not restored, so that their entire history would be preserved as cultural heritageFacts About Cultural heritage Cultural heritage is the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited fro... . Today, SPAB still operates according to Morris's original manifesto. It publishes books, and runs courses and a telephone advice line. Under the Planning Acts the Society must be notified of all applications in England and Wales to demolish in whole or part any listed building. It currently has 8,700 members (2007). The Society also has a branch in ScotlandScotland Scotland is a nation in northwest Europe and one of the constituent countries of the United Kingdom.... , and the Mills Section, which is the only British national body concerned with the preservation, repair and continued use of traditional windmillWindmill A windmill is an engine powered by the wind to produce energy, often contained in a large building as in traditional post mi... s and watermillWatermill A watermill is a structure that uses a water wheel or turbine to drive a mechanical process such as flour or lumber producti... s. The society, which is a registered charity, is based at 37 Spital Square, LondonLondon London is the capital city of England and of the United Kingdom.... E1London E1 E1 is the London East Head Postal District.... 6DY, EnglandEngland England is the largest and most populous constituent country of the United Kingdom.... . See also Marianne SuhrMarianne Suhr Marianne Suhr MRICS is is an English chartered surveyor, writer, and expert on historic buildings who regularly appears on ... External links