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London and Middlesex Archaeological Society
The London and Middlesex Archaeological Society (LAMAS) is a society founded in 1855 for the study of the archaeology and local history of the City of London and the historic county of Middlesex. It also takes an interest in districts that were historically in Surrey, Kent, Essex and Hertfordshire, but that now lie within Greater London. The Society receives support from the London Museum.
LAMAS and works in close association with the archaeological companies that work regularly in Greater London. Many of the lectures and contributions to the Annual Conference of London Archaeologists detail the latest archaeological research undertaken by:
It acts to some extent as an umbrella organisation to support smaller archaeological and local history societies in the Greater London area. It hosts an Annual Conference of London Archaeologists and an annual Local History Conference. LAMAS campaigns for public access to archaeology and heritage, including local museums, and for the sustainable management of listed and heritage buildings.
The Society was established in 1855 "for the purpose of investigating the antiquities and early history of the Cities of London and Westminster and the Metropolitan County of Middlesex". The inaugural meeting was held on 14 December 1855 at Crosby Hall, Bishopsgate. The primary instigators were George Bish Webb (who was already honorary secretary of Surrey Archaeological Society, established the previous year, and who became the first honorary secretary of LAMAS); and Rev. Thomas Hugo, curate of St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate (who became the first chairman of LAMAS). Other founder members included Charles Boutell, Henry Christmas, George Gilbert Scott, and Charles Roach Smith. Boutell served as honorary secretary from 23 July to 27 November 1857, but was dismissed for what was termed "improper" bookkeeping involving the disappearance of £56 15s received in subscription fees. Also active in the early decades were John Gough Nichols and Edward Brabrook (the latter eventually serving as President from 1910 to 1930). Sir Thomas Phillipps was another early supporter, but allegedly withdrew on learning that Hugo had expressed a wish to see the restoration of the monasteries.
Individual membership in the Society is open to all. In the early years, and until the late 1870s, membership seems to have stood at around 400. The total subsequently started to decline, falling to 277 in 1891, 163 in 1905, and 132 in 1911. It then began to recover, rising to 232 in 1939, 350 in 1950, and nearly 500 in 1955. The figure was 662 in 2004; 675 in 2010; and 608 in 2018.
Any archaeological or local history society in the Greater London area may become an Affiliated Society of LAMAS. As of 2024, there were 43 such affiliate members.
Details of individual or Affiliated Society membership are published on the LAMAS membership website. Current individual subscription is £20 per year.
LAMAS campaigns to defend London's historic environment. The membership of the society contains numerous experts and specialists in various aspects of archaeology, heritage and the historic environment. The LAMAS Historic Building and Conservation Committee campaigns for the sustainable future of Greater London's built heritage. The committee comments on applications largely for works to listed buildings. Details of schemes the committee commented on can be found on the advocacy page.
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London and Middlesex Archaeological Society
The London and Middlesex Archaeological Society (LAMAS) is a society founded in 1855 for the study of the archaeology and local history of the City of London and the historic county of Middlesex. It also takes an interest in districts that were historically in Surrey, Kent, Essex and Hertfordshire, but that now lie within Greater London. The Society receives support from the London Museum.
LAMAS and works in close association with the archaeological companies that work regularly in Greater London. Many of the lectures and contributions to the Annual Conference of London Archaeologists detail the latest archaeological research undertaken by:
It acts to some extent as an umbrella organisation to support smaller archaeological and local history societies in the Greater London area. It hosts an Annual Conference of London Archaeologists and an annual Local History Conference. LAMAS campaigns for public access to archaeology and heritage, including local museums, and for the sustainable management of listed and heritage buildings.
The Society was established in 1855 "for the purpose of investigating the antiquities and early history of the Cities of London and Westminster and the Metropolitan County of Middlesex". The inaugural meeting was held on 14 December 1855 at Crosby Hall, Bishopsgate. The primary instigators were George Bish Webb (who was already honorary secretary of Surrey Archaeological Society, established the previous year, and who became the first honorary secretary of LAMAS); and Rev. Thomas Hugo, curate of St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate (who became the first chairman of LAMAS). Other founder members included Charles Boutell, Henry Christmas, George Gilbert Scott, and Charles Roach Smith. Boutell served as honorary secretary from 23 July to 27 November 1857, but was dismissed for what was termed "improper" bookkeeping involving the disappearance of £56 15s received in subscription fees. Also active in the early decades were John Gough Nichols and Edward Brabrook (the latter eventually serving as President from 1910 to 1930). Sir Thomas Phillipps was another early supporter, but allegedly withdrew on learning that Hugo had expressed a wish to see the restoration of the monasteries.
Individual membership in the Society is open to all. In the early years, and until the late 1870s, membership seems to have stood at around 400. The total subsequently started to decline, falling to 277 in 1891, 163 in 1905, and 132 in 1911. It then began to recover, rising to 232 in 1939, 350 in 1950, and nearly 500 in 1955. The figure was 662 in 2004; 675 in 2010; and 608 in 2018.
Any archaeological or local history society in the Greater London area may become an Affiliated Society of LAMAS. As of 2024, there were 43 such affiliate members.
Details of individual or Affiliated Society membership are published on the LAMAS membership website. Current individual subscription is £20 per year.
LAMAS campaigns to defend London's historic environment. The membership of the society contains numerous experts and specialists in various aspects of archaeology, heritage and the historic environment. The LAMAS Historic Building and Conservation Committee campaigns for the sustainable future of Greater London's built heritage. The committee comments on applications largely for works to listed buildings. Details of schemes the committee commented on can be found on the advocacy page.