Partners in Conservation

In 1980 the Friends entered into a partnership with the Ancient Monuments Society (AMS). The AMS was founded in Manchester in 1924 and has always campaigned for buildings of all ages and all types. The AMS is recognised as one of the National Amenity Societies, as directed under the 1968 Town and Country Planning Act. The Act makes provision for all applications for listed building consent to demolish listed buildings in whole or in part in England and Wales to be notified to a number of named Societies. This gives the opportunity for the Societies to offer comments and to oppose applications they feel are inappropriate or damaging to the building(s) in question. The AMS, along with our colleagues in other Societies, thus plays a key role in conserving the historic environment in England and Wales.

While both the AMS and the Friends of Friendless Churches retain their independence, they co-operate in handling ecclesiastical cases and members of the Ancient Monuments Society accordingly receive the reports of the Friends. In 1993, following the death of our founder, Ivor Bulmer-Thomas, the Friends office was moved into the AMS premises at St Ann's Vestry Hall and the Secretary of the AMS (Matthew Saunders) also became Honorary Director of the Friends.

This partnership also benefits our members - as you can join both Societies for just one subscription. Please consult the Membership Page for further details, e-mail, or write, for the attention of the Assistant Secretary, to our address, below.

Friends of Friendless Churches is a company limited by guarantee
Company No: 1119137, registered in England and Wales.

Registered Office: St Ann's Vestry Hall, 2 Church Entry, London EC4V 5HB. Registered Charity No: 1113097.