Important organisations and sources of information

The Ancient Monuments Society is especially concerned with the preservation of redundant churches but also man-made structures of architectural or historical interest of any date, including houses, barns, almshouses, dovecotes, mills and chapels. http://www.ancientmonumentssociety.org.uk/

The Architectural Heritage Fund is a registered charity promoting the conservation of historic buildings by providing advice, information and financial assistance in the form of grants and low interest working capital loans for projects undertaken by building preservation trusts and other charities in the UK. http://www.ahfund.org.uk/

The website www.buildingconservation.com is an invaluable source for historic building conservation advice and provides a wide range of articles and a directory of specialist contractors and information on conservation courses and training.

The Council for British Archaeology promotes the study and safeguarding of Britain's historic environment, provides a forum for archaeological opinion, and seeks to improve public interest in Britain's past. http://www.britarch.ac.uk/

The Georgian Group provides advice principally related to buildings dating from 1700 - 1837 and advice of more general use. The group also provides guidance on repair, maintenance and refurbishment and redecoration. www.georgiangroup.org.uk

The HERITAGEGATEWAY website provides a single point of access to historic environment records on England, held both locally and nationally. Partners include English Heritage, IHBC and the Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers. http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/gateway

The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) is a professional institute which represents conservation professionals. It promotes the highest standards of practice to achieve effective protection and enhancement of the historic environment. www.ihbc.org.uk

Period Property UK provides advice on repair and restoration of period property. It also provides lists of period properties for sale, an online discussion forum, a directory of historic building professionals and craftspeople. www.periodproperty.co.uk

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings publishes technical advice notes and booklets on many aspects of the maintenance and repair of historic buildings and can advise on suitable surveyors, architects and craftspeople. http://www.spab.org.uk/

The Twentieth Century Society safeguards the heritage of architecture and design in Britain from 1914 onwards. www.c20society.org.uk

The Victorian Society provides guidance on repair, maintenance, refurbishment and redecoration. They principally deal with Victorian and Edwardian architecutre and other arts dating from 1837-1914. www.victorian-society.org.uk