The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings was founded by William Morris in 1877 to counteract the highly destructive ‘restoration’ of medieval buildings being practised by many Victorian architects. Today it is the largest, oldest and most technically expert national pressure group fighting to save old buildings from decay, demolition and damage.
SPAB bases its work on the manifesto written by William Morris in 1877, which is still relevant today. It’s important to note the distinction made between restoration and protection. This educational manifesto is well worth a read and can be found here: http://www.spab.org.uk/what-is-spab-/the-manifesto/
Dorian Burt MRICS is a Member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.