Our Work

Who we are

The Ancient Monuments Society (AMS) was founded in 1924 to promote “the study and conservation of ancient monuments, historic buildings and fine old craftsmanship.”

The AMS is one of the National Amenity Societies, as defined by the government under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and is consulted by local authorities on Listed Building Consent applications. The Society also offers advice on ecclesiastical cases in England and Wales under the Ecclesiastical Exemption. The AMS is unique among the National Amenity Societies in defending buildings of all types and ages.

The AMS shares a small office in London with the Friends of Friendless Churches.

Our Mission

We use our expertise to further the protection, understanding and enjoyment of historic buildings and places.

Our priorities

In February 2018 AMS Trustees adopted a three-year Strategy (2018-2020) which identifies five priorities for the work of the Society. These are:

1: Advice

We help local authorities, owners and conservation professionals manage change to the historic environment.

2: Education

We seek to promote the public’s understanding and enjoyment of historic buildings and places.

3: Advocacy

We campaign for historic buildings and places and seek to influence planning and heritage policy in a positive and constructive manner.

4: Partnerships

We recognise the value of partnerships and the benefits which collaborative working can bring.

5: Governance

We are committed to delivering our charitable objects and to complying with our legal and regulatory obligations.

Our activities

As well as dealing with casework and campaigning for historic buildings of all types and ages, we:

• Run a membership scheme with 2,200 members in the UK and abroad
• Publish three newsletters each year, in partnership with the Friends of Friendless Churches
• Publish an annual volume of Transactions
• Hold an Annual General Meeting in a building of interest
• Run a series of Autumn Visits