Catalogue description Records of Ancient Monuments Boards

The Ancient Monuments Consolidation and Amendment Act 1913 provided for the Commissioners of Works to appoint Ancient Monuments Boards for England, Scotland and Wales respectively, consisting of archaeologists, historians and representatives of learned societies and interested public bodies to advise them on the making of preservation orders concerning monuments in danger of destruction or damage. The boards had power to inspect any monument in such danger even against the wishes of the occupier. The Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953 obliged them to report annually to the Minister of Works.

In 1969 responsibilities for ancient monuments in Scotland and ancient monuments in Wales were transferred to their respective secretaries of state, under the Transfer of Functions (Wales) Order (SI 1969/388) and the Transfer of Functions (Scotland) Order (SI 1969/383). However, the Department of the Environment, set up in 1970, continued to undertake the administration and maintenance of the monuments.

The Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953 also empowered the Minister to appoint Historic Buildings Councils for England, Wales and Scotland. Functions under this Act were transferred to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government in 1966.

The Ancient Monuments Board and the Historic Buildings Council for England were dissolved by the National Heritage Act 1983 which set up the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England, better known as 'English Heritage'.