Trans Ancient Monuments Soc 36

A history of the development of the RCAHMS, the first of the three Royal Commissions to be set up in Great Britain. The account begins by outlining the background to ancient monuments legislation and survey in Britain and Europe, preceding the inauguration of the RCAHMS on 7 February 1908. The requirements of the Royal Warrant and the role of the first Commissioners in formulating a detailed strategy for the new Commission is discussed. The developing role of the RCAHMS is then explained with regard to changing legislation and the personalities involved in the work of the Commission. It is concluded that the task of providing a register of all Scotland's monuments is, contrary to the expectations of 1908, neither finite nor quantifiable but is a continuous process of assessment driven by society's ever-changing perception of the past. The article is accompanied by `Appendix I: list of Commissioners and Secretaries 1908--88' (74) and `Appendix II: list of principal publications 1908--88' (75--7).

The burial chamber of Pentre Ifan is not only of the greatest historical importance but its remains have powerful sculptural and aesthetic qualities; it was the first ancient monument in Wales to come into State care. This article sets out to show what changes this brought to the understanding of the history of the monument and the impact on its surroundings. Through extracts from the Ministry of Works files, it is shown how successive Inspectors of Ancient Monuments from Pitt-Rivers onwards, in concert with the site's excavator, the late Professor W F Grimes, sought to balance the difficult decisions over restoration and conservation, access or preservation, and aesthetics or practicalities. The issues raised by the Pentre Ifan site are considered with regard to other ancient monuments which are opened to the public.

A review of the Ancient Monuments Society's involvement in fifteen recent cases concerning the conservation of historic buildings.

An account of the career of the first Chairman of the Friends of Friendless Churches and Fellow of the Ancient Monuments Society who, was also formerly a Member of Parliament and a district councillor.

A noted scholar of the architectural history of Tyneside and Fellow of the Ancient Monuments Society, also formerly a Member of Parliament and a circuit judge.