2 - The Origins of the Conservation of Ancient Monuments and the Beginnings of State Control in the United Kingdom

Summary

It is a distinct advance to observe that Sir John Lubbock's Bill of nine previous Sessions has become the Government Bill of the present Session; for although, we fear there is no chance of it being passed, yet it is something to have induced the Government to take up a measure connected with so non-political a subject as ancient monuments.

(The Antiquary 1882, 65)

Introduction

This chapter provides an outline and analysis of the origins and development of conservation principles and practice in the United Kingdom, beginning with early work on ancient monuments in the 18th century, the formation of archaeological and architectural societies, the subsequent development of preservation initiatives in the mid-19th century and the introduction of ancient monument legislation. The purpose of this chapter is to identify the origin of the principles behind the conservation of ancient monuments. The chapter concludes with the creation of the Ancient Monuments and Historic Buildings branch of the Office of Works.

The period outlined in this chapter marks a dramatic change in the appearance, use and status of those structures that became ‘ancient monuments’, as they changed from being picturesque and romantic ruins to objects of scientific enquiry and educational improvement. This change in appearance and status indicates that the values attached to ancient monuments are not static. The role of politics was to be crucial, as public views changed from acceptance of the pre-eminence of private ownership to the desirability of a conservation ethic for reasons of international status to the introduction of legislation and a concomitant extension of the state into private property matters.