Records of the Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland

The records consist of minute books, subscriptions and account books, rules and programmes, 1897-1989. Apart from some records for 1895-1896 among the Booth & Lazenby Papers deposited here at Durham, no earlier records are known to survive.

The society was founded in 1861, as something of a successor to an earlier Durham Architectural Society, to promote the study of Architecture and Archaeology, to preserve Architectural and other ancient remains, and to improve, as far as may be, the character of ecclesiastical and other edifices to be erected in the future. In its early years it sometimes used the name Durham and Northumberland Archaeological Society as an alternative form, but the longer name has been the society's formal name since its foundation.

Althought based in Durham, the philosophy of the society from the start was that it “Should embrace at least the whole of the Diocese of Durham and should start with the avowed intention of becoming a popular society”. The objectives were twofold, firstly “To bring under the notice of its members whatever of architectural and antiquarian interest may be embraced within the limits of its District” and secondly “To preserve from destruction (as far as possible in an age so destructive of ancient works) all remains illustrative of genius, task and skill in manufacture of the architects, and manufacturers of bygone ages”. They were proposing to cover all aspects of art, architecture and crafts back to pre-Roman times throughout Durham and Northumberland, “all will receive the study and attention which their importance deserves”. Meetings were to be held during the summer months at locations with ancient architectural remains so that the active interest of members as well as a steady increase of practical knowledge could be maintained. They would not interfere with any existing societies such as the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle “inasmuch that these societies are occupied principally with the literary section of antiquarian subjects and deal more with the documentary rather than with the material evidence”.

The society struggled somewhat for membership in the 1980s and 1990s, but members have become more involved in practical fieldwork and attendance at other events in County Durham such as “Yesterday belongs to You” and County Archaeology days. As of 2020, it was still pursuing an active programme of lectures, field trips and publication. Based in Durham, but with interests throughout the region, it aims to provide an opportunity for all those interested in archaeology and architectural history to find out more, visit places of interest and experience hands on activities. There are monthly meetings from September to June, with public lectures covering areas of local, regional and international interest. Most lectures take place in Durham, but the AGM in May is generally held elsewhere in the region and is combined with a trip to a site of particular interest to the Society. In December there is a Members Meeting, where individuals can talk about their own research interests and bring artefacts for identification and discussion. Excursions are organised in the summer.

Arranged by type of document, and then in chronological order.

Open for consultation.

Deposited by the Society in 1965 and 1991 with some further accruals in 2007 and 2008.

Online catalogue, available at online catalogue

Permission to make any published use of material from the collection must be sought in advance from the Sub-Librarian, Special Collections (e-mail PG.Library@durham.ac.uk) and, where appropriate, from the copyright owner. The Library will assist where possible with identifying copyright owners, but responsibility for ensuring copyright clearance rests with the user of the material.

Deposits of more recent material continue to be made.

Booth & Lazenby Papers

The society has for most of its existence produced a periodical - Transactions of the Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland (old series, 1-11 [1862-1965], and new series, 1-6 [1968-1982]), subsequently Durham Archaeological Journal (1984-).

Janet McDougall, The 150th anniversary book : A brief history of the Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland 1861-2011 (Durham 2011).