Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

Morris' call for the society to be founded was provoked by Sir Gilbert Scott's proposed restoration of Tewkesbury Abbey.

In an 1877 letter printed in The Athenæum, he wrote What I wish for, therefore, is that an association should be set on foot to keep watch on old monuments, to protest against all 'restoration' that means more than keeping out wind and weather, and by all means, literary and other, to awaken a feeling that our ancient buildings are not mere ecclesiastical toys, but sacred monuments of the nation's growth and hope.Alongside Morris, Philip Webb was instrumental in establishing the society in the month following Morris' letter.

[1] Morris drafted a manifesto, and served as Honorary Secretary for the society's first year, continuing as an active member for the remainder of his life.

[1] The approach to conservation advocated by the SPAB was influential upon the National Trust after it acquired its first building, Alfriston Clergy House, in 1895.

An annual award honours the memory of church enthusiast and SPAB member Sir John Betjeman.

The award is presented for outstanding repairs to the fabric of places of worship in England and Wales completed in the last 18 months.