Ancient Monuments Society
The Friends of Friendless Churches have a separate website - see below.

Art and Christianity Enquiry (ACE)
Director: The Revd Tom Devonshire Jones, 020 8206 2253 Contact: enquiries@acetrust.org
Arranges seminars and conferences; promotes new works of art in churches; publishes a quarterly bulletin; provides awards for Art, Architecture, Books
and School Garden Design.

Ashmolean Museum, brass rubbings at
Listing of brass rubbings at this renowned Oxford museum.

Association of Diocesan and Cathedral Archaeologists
See below under 'Diocesand and Cathedral Archaeologists'.

Bells
This link is to the Keltek Trust, which acts as a clearing house for redundant and surplus bells. Their site has links to other relevant sites.

British Archaeological Association
Covers a variety of subjects, some directly relevant to church buildings.

British Society of Master Glass Painters
Both a professional society and an interest group. Journal, events.

Capel - Chapels Heritage Society
c/o West Glamorgan Record Office, County Hall, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, West Glamorgan SA1 3SN Tel: 01792 471589
The Society aims to preserve and study all aspects of the nonconformist heritage of Wales including chapel buildings and related archives. Two national meetings are held each year and there are some branch activities. A newsletter and information leaflets are produced regularly.

Carmarthenshire Welsh Church Fund
Community Grants and External Funding, Carmarthenshire County Council, Town Hall, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA15 3AH 01554 742182 Contact: Bharries@carmarthenshire.gov.co.uk

Cathedral Architects Association
46 St Mary's Street, Ely, Cambs CB7 4EY 01353 660660 or email janekennedy@pmt.co.uk

Cathedral Camps
Organises summer work camps for young people at cathedrals and major churches.

Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England
Church House, Great Smith Street, London, SW13 3NZ   Tel: 020 7898 1866 Fax: 0171 898 1881
The Commission is a statutory body established under the Care of Cathedrals Measure 1990 to discharge specific regulatory functions and also generally to promote the care and conservation of the cathedral churches of the Church of England.

Catholic Bishop's Conference of England & Wales
Liturgy Office, 136 Victoria Street, London SW1E 5LD Tel: 020 7821 0553
The body which advises Catholic churches in England and Wales on liturgical arrangement, furnishings and fabric.

Census of Medieval Tiles in Britain
Contact: Laurence Ken, Director, 7 Church Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1JN

Chapels Society
The Society aims to promote the survival of 'nonconformist' places of worship and related structures throughout the UK (including those of Protestant, Catholic and non-Christian denominations and religions). The Society offers advice, arranges conferences and visits, supports research and publishes information.

Church Buildings Council (previously the Council for the Care of Churches)
Fifth Floor, Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3NZ. Tel: 020 7898 1866 Fax: 020 7898 1881 enquiries@ccc.c-of-e.org.uk
A permanent Commission of the Archbishop's Council of the Church of England. The Council's principal duty is to assist parishes in their task of maintaining their church buildings, contents and church yards. It publishes a wide range of specialist and general booklets on their conservation and care, gives advice and organises conferences. It also offers  grants for the conservation of important furnishings and fittings in churches.There is an excellent library, open by appointment.

Church Monuments Society
Publishes an annual Journal, newsletter, and organises visits, lectures and conferences on church monuments.

Church Recorders (Nadfas)
Nationwide voluntary group carrying out thorough recording of churches - more than one thousand churches to date.

Church of Scotland Committee on Artistic Matters
121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN Tel: 0131 225 5722 Fax 0131 220 3113
A standing committee of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. All works, internal and external, affecting the appearance of a church in the care of the Church of Scotland require the permission of this Committee before taking place.

Churches Tourism Association
The successor of the National Church Tourism Group. Advises, encourages and supports church tourism.

Church of England Net Directory
Online list of many, many Church organisations.

The Churches Conservation Trust  (formerly: The Redundant Churches Fund)
Now (12 March 2003) at: 1 West Smithfield, London, EC1A 9EE Tel: 020 7213 0660 email central@tcct.org.uk (Formerly at 89 Fleet Street)
The Trust owns and looks after redundant churches of historic and archaeological interest, which have been transferred to it by the Church of England. It publishes guide-books to churches in its care.

Churchcare
A one-stop shop for those charged with the care of churches. Sponsored by the Church of England and Ecclesiastical Insurance.

Comper Trust
Promotes the work of the church architect Sir Ninian Comper.

Corpus of Romanesque Sculpture in Britain and Ireland
Building an electronic archive of romanesque sculpture.

Corpus Vitrearum Medii Aevi Archive (glass of the middle ages)
National Monuments Records Centre, Kemble Drive, Swindon, Wilts SN2 2GZ 01793 414700

Council for British Archaeology
This organisation regularly publishes important works on the archaeology of churches. Our link takes you to the relevant publications page of their site.

County Historic Churches Trusts
Most counties have a Historic Churches Trust to raise money to help repair churches and chapels. If you love churches, this is a splendid way to get involved. Click here for a list of  County Historic Churches Trusts  provided by the National Churches Trust (see below).

Diocesan and Cathedral Archaeologists Association
ADCA is a (new in 2001) professional organisation which will represent archaeologists who are charged with the proper conduct of archaeology of cathedrals and parish churches. It will have an annual conference at which current issues can be examined.

Dr William's Library
14 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0AG  Tel: 020 7387 3727
Important library for non-conformist history.

Ecclesiastical Architects' & Surveyors' Association
Hon. Sec., John R. Carley, Church House, Crane Street, Salisbury, Wilts, SP1 2QB. Tel: 01722 411933
Lectures, newsletter, technical booklets, annual tour.

English Heritage
Very full web-site, which includes some publications on churches. It runs the Inspired! campaign. See also 'Images of England', below.

Friends of Christ Church Spitalfields
The Old Vestry Room, Christ Church, Fournier Street, London E1 6QE  Tel: 020 7247 0165
The Charity leading the restoration of Hawksmoor's masterpiece. Newsletter, Hawksmoor bus tours, events.

Friends of City Churches
The Church of St Magnus the Martyr, Lower Thames Street, EC3R 6DN  Tel: 020 7626 1555
An organisation actively pursuing the future of the City of London churches. Organises very successful open days, and arranges for otherwise-locked churches to be open on a routine basis. Newsletter, events.

Friends of Friendless Churches
St Ann's Vestry Hall, 2 Church Entry, London EC4V 5HB Tel: 020 7236 3934
The Friends own and maintain a number of disused but architecturally important places of worship in England and Wales. A joint membership scheme is operated with the Ancient Monuments Society with a single subscription for both organisations.

Georgian Group
Study and preservation of Georgian buildings, including churches. Events, publications.

Henry Bradshaw Society
Publishes texts relating to the liturgy and ritual of the medieval church.

Heritage Link
Network of heritage organisations. Active website. E-newsletter.

Heritage Lottery Fund
The Heritage Lottery Fund uses money raised by the National Lottery to improve the quality of life by safeguarding and enhancing the heritage of buildings, objects, and the environment . . .;  assisting people to appreciate and enjoy their heritage; allowing them to hand it on in good heart to future generations. .

Historic Chapels Trust
29 Thurloe Street, Kensington, London SW7 2LQ Tel: 020 7584 6072
The Trust takes into ownership redundant chapels and other places of worship in England of outstanding architectural and historic interest. Anglican churches are excluded. Once in good repair, HCT's buildings are opened to the public and are available for sympathetic uses where appropriate. Local 'Committees of Friends' are being developed.

Historic Churches Preservation Trust
31 Newbury Street, London, EC1A 7HU Phone: 020 76006090
Now relaunched as the National Churches Trust. See below.

A project to provide a photograph of every listed building in England ('listed' means of the building is of special interest). Expensive and slow project by English Heritage, but getting there, and will provide a useful reference tool. Worth registering to get the advanced search facilities, but the registration screen may not be encrypted, so don't use any secret passwords.

Inspired!
See entry under English Heritage, above.

John Vigar Church Tours
Contact: info@johnevigar.com
John Vigar organises church tours in Kent and nationally, and lectures on church architecture and kindred subjects

Keltek Trust
This link is to the Keltek Trust, which acts as a clearing house for redundant and surplus bells. Their site has links to other relevant sites on bells.

Kempe Society
Promotes and studies the work of Charles Eamer Kempe, stained glass designer.

Kent Churches Tourism
Promotes open churches in Kent, and organises tours and associated events.

Lambeth Palace Library
Lambeth Palace, SE1 7JU  Tel: 020 7898 1400
Important library for church history.

Liturgy, Modern
See under 'Praxis'

Liturgy Office of the Bishops' Conference of England & Wales
39 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PL Tel: 020 7821 0553
The Liturgy Office advises Roman Catholic churches in England and Wales on the furnishings and fabric of their church buildings, as well as on liturgical arrangement.

Mass Dials
Contact the British Sundial Society, 112 Whitehall Road, Chingford, London, E4 6DY who are currently (2001) carrying out a survey of mass dials.

Mausolea and Monuments Trust
The MMT exists to celebrate and protect funerary structures. They have taken a number of rnausolea into direct care, and are working towards the recording and conservation of these structures.

Medieval Settlement Research Group
Important source of up-to-date research on early settlements, of which the church is often a significant feature. Annual report with listings of recent work, articles.

Memorials by Artists
Memorials by Artists endeavours to improve the quality of church and churchyard memorials and helps people to commission fine
individual memorials.  The Memorial Arts Charity runs workshops in design & lettercutting.

Monumental Brass Society
c/o Society of Antiquaries, Burlington House, London W1V 0HS Tel: 020 7734 0193
Pre-eminent in the study of monumental brasses. Lectures, newsletter, publications, etc.

Monumental brass rubbings at the Ashmolean
Listing of brass rubbings held by this renowned Oxford museum

Movement against bats in churches
Bats have legal privileges, and cannot be disturbed or removed. This organisation points out the damage this is causing to our ancient churches. Contact: Rose Cottages, Victoria Road, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 2DB

National Churches Trust
31 Newbury Street, London, EC1A 7HU Phone: 020 76006090
The Trust offers grants and interest free loans for essential fabric repairs to churches which are in use as places of worship in England and Wales. Small grants are also available for facilities such as installation of a toilet or kitchen, or disabled access.  (Grants are not offered for the restoration of fittings or features.) There are in addition free-standing county trusts in most counties - see under 'County Trusts' above.

National Inventory of War Memorials
A national research project initiated by the Imperial War Museum.

Nadfas Church Recorders
See above, under Church Recorders (Nadfas)

National Monuments Record
Major repository of photographs of buildings. Part of the Royal Commission (see below).

National Pipe Organ Register
The link is to the National Pipe Organ Register, which allows online searching of some 25,000 organ specifications, some with online pictures. It also has links to the British Organ Archive, and the Directory of British Organ Builders.

Open Churches Trust
Founded by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1994, the purpose of the Trust is to promote by every means possible the opening of locked grade I churches to enable the public to have the opportunity of seeing the interiors of these fine buildings.

Organs
The link is to the National Pipe Organ Register, which allows online searching of some 25,000 organ specifications, some with online pictures. It also has links to the British Organ Archive, and the Directory of British Organ Builders.

Praxis
An Anglican liturgical initiative, founded in 1990.

Pugin Society
Promotes the work of Augustus Welby Pugin. Newsletter, visits, events.

Ringing World
On-line magazine of the bell-ringing community.

Robin Millerchip Church Tours
Church Tours, 10 Newton Villas, Coxhoe, Durham, DH6 4JF 0191 377 0521 email r.millerchip@btopenworld.com
Organises excursions for the Church Monuments Society and the Historic Churches Preservation Trust

Round Tower Churches Society
Crabbe Hall, Burnham Market, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE31 8EN
Promotes interest in, and the preservation of, the 180 or so surviving churches with round towers. Some 120 of these are in Norfolk, many of early date.Quarterly newsletter, visits.

Royal Archaeological Institute
c/o Society of Antiquaries, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1V 0HS
Welcomes anyone who has an interest in archaeology, history and architectural history. Journal, newsletter, lectues, meetings.

Royal Commission on Historical Monuments,  England
Records and publishes inventories of historical monuments, including churches. Includes the National Monuments Record (see above). Now part of English Heritage.

Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments,  Wales
RCAHMW carries out surveys, maintains an archive . . . and publishes information about ancient, historical and maritime sites, structures and landscapes. Includes access to the Cardiganshire Chapels Project.

Royal Institute of British Architects
Professional association for architects in Britain, with a splendid library, at British Architectural Library (Royal Institute of British Architects) . The organisation also has an outstanding collection of architectural drawings, currently (year 2000) being moved to a new location, and not available for access.

Rural Theology Association
Association actively engaged with the issues facing rural church life. Journal, local association, events.

SAVE Britain's Heritage
Influential conservation group, covering a range of building types.

SAVE Our Parsonages
Bulmer Tye House, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 7ED
Support group for historic parsonages in church use, and those striving to preserve them as resources for today's ministry. Research, newsletter, meetings.

Scotland's Churches Scheme
National scheme to encourage access.

Scottish Churches Architectural Heritage Trust
15 North Bank Street, Edinburgh EH1 2LP Tel: 0131 225 8644
The Trust gives grants to churches of special architectural or historic interest (of all denominations) to assist with repairs to the fabric of the building and its maintenance, excluding decorating and wiring. Only churches which are open for regular public worship are eligible.

Scottish Redundant Churches Trust
4 Queen's Gardens, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9TA, Tel: 01334 472 032,  Fax: 01334 470 767,  Email: SRCTrust@aol.com
The aims are to safeguard outstanding redundant churches of all denominations in Scotland; to maintain and protect their fabric, and to provide public access to them. The trust currently owns three churches: St. Peter's Church in Orkney, the former Parish Church (East Church) Cromarty, and Pettinain Church, South Lanarkshire.

Society of Antiquaries of London
Organises lectures, visits. Superb library.

Society of Architectural Historians UK      Society of Architectural Historians USA
Study of all aspects of architectural history, including churches.

Society for Church Archaeology
c/o CBA, St Mary's House, 66 Bootham, York, YO30 7BZ or contact jf13@york.ac.uk
Journal. Annual conference.

Society for Medieval Archaeology
PO Box YR7, Leeds, LS9 7UU
Journal. Newsletter. Events.

SPAB: The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings
37 Spital Square, London, E1 6DY 020 7377 1644
Technically expert national pressure group fighting to save old buildings from decay, demolition and damage.

Stained Glass Museum
The Chapter House, Ely Cathedral, Ely CB7 4DN 01353 660347

Tile and Architectural Ceramics Society
Publications and visits to study tiles and architectural ceramics. On-line database, including a good number of churches, some with pictures.

Twentieth Century Society
Studies buildings of the twentieth-century, including churches. Formerly the Thirties Society.

Victorian Society
Study and preservation of Victorian buildings, including churches. Events, publications.

War Memorials
The link is to the National Inventory of War Memorials. For a site with a number of links to other war memorial sites see, Anglo-Boer War Memorials Project.

Warwick Network for Parish Research
The 'Warwick Network for Parish Research' has been established to facilitate the study of British and European parishes c. 1300-1800. It hopes to support a wide range of works on religious, social, political and cultural aspects as well as interdisciplinary and comparative perspectives. It hosts an annual symposium.

West Gallery Music
A loose grouping of those interested in researching and performing church music of the eighteenth and early nineteenth century. See also Sue Glover's site.

Yews for the Millennium Project
1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR  020 7591 3111
More than 7000 Anglican parishes have applied for yew trees from this organisation.