Abbreviation | RAI |
---|---|
Formation | 1844 |
Type | Learned society |
Registration no. | England and Wales: 226222 |
Purpose | Archaeology, architecture and landscape history in the British Isles |
Location | |
Region served | British Isles |
Patron | Charles III |
President | Nathalie Cohen |
Website | www |
The Royal Archaeological Institute (RAI) is a learned society, established in 1844, with interests in all aspects of the archaeological, architectural and landscape history of the British Isles. Membership is open to all with an interest in these areas.
The Archaeological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland was founded in 1844 at 16 New Burlington Street, London, from where it published The Archaeological Journal and held public events. [1] The Institute arose from a dispute in the archaeological world over the formation of the British Archaeological Association a year earlier. The Institute changed its name to the Royal Archaeological Institute in 1866. Its events could be popular: an Exhibition of Helmets and Mail held in 1880 attracted 1,200 visitors over 12 days. [2] The Institute moved to Oxford Mansions, just North East of Oxford Circus, in the early 1880s, and then to 20 Hanover Square in 1894. [3]
The library of the Royal Archaeological Institute was donated to the Society of Antiquaries and now forms part of the collection at Burlington House.
One of the institute's principal activities is the publication of the Archaeological Journal, an annual peer-reviewed journal containing reports of archaeological and architectural survey and fieldwork on sites and monuments of all periods, and syntheses and overviews of similar work throughout the British Isles. It also hosts lectures and seminars, and both sponsors and participates in field trips to archaeological sites and landscapes. It works in cooperation with other archaeological bodies and societies. A programme of monthly lectures is held from October to May at the premises of the Society of Antiquaries of London at Burlington House. [4]
The following have served as presidents of the institute: [5] [6]
An antiquarian or antiquary is an aficionado or student of antiquities or things of the past. More specifically, the term is used for those who study history with particular attention to ancient artefacts, archaeological and historic sites, or historic archives and manuscripts. The essence of antiquarianism is a focus on the empirical evidence of the past, and is perhaps best encapsulated in the motto adopted by the 18th-century antiquary Sir Richard Colt Hoare, "We speak from facts, not theory."
Thomas Wright was an English writer, scholar, and antiquarian. He was a prolific writer and an editor of medieval texts. He was also one of the founding members of the British Archaeological Association, which remains active to this day.
The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is the senior antiquarian body of Scotland, with its headquarters in the National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh. The Society's aim is to promote the cultural heritage of Scotland.
The Society of Antiquaries of London (SAL) is a learned society of historians and archaeologists in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1707, received its royal charter in 1751 and is a registered charity. It is based at Burlington House in Piccadilly, a building owned by the UK government.
Viscount Cobham is a title in the Peerage of Great Britain that was created in 1718. Owing to its special remainder, the title has passed through several families. Since 1889, it has been held by members of the Lyttelton family.
The Royal Irish Academy, based in Dublin, is an academic body that promotes study in the sciences, humanities and social sciences. It is Ireland's premier learned society and one of its leading cultural institutions. The Academy was established in 1785 and granted a royal charter in 1786. As of 2019, the RIA has around 600 members, regular members being Irish residents elected in recognition of their academic achievements, and Honorary Members similarly qualified but based abroad; a small number of members are elected in recognition of non-academic contributions to society.
The British Archaeological Association (BAA) was founded in 1843 and aims to inspire, support and disseminate high quality research in the fields of Western archaeology, art and architecture, primarily of the mediaeval period, through lectures, conferences, study days and publications.
In English law, the justices in eyre were the highest magistrates, and presided over the court of justice-seat, a triennial court held to punish offenders against the forest law and enquire into the state of the forest and its officers.
George William Lyttelton, 4th Baron Lyttelton, 4th Baron Westcote, was an English aristocrat and Conservative politician from the Lyttelton family. He was chairman of the Canterbury Association, which encouraged British settlers to move to New Zealand.
Harold Arthur Lee-Dillon, 17th Viscount Dillon, was an English antiquary and a leading authority on the history of arms and armour and medieval costume.
Sir Herbert Eustace Maxwell, 7th Baronet, was a Scottish novelist, essayist, artist, antiquarian, horticulturalist, prominent salmon angler and author of books on angling and Conservative politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1880 to 1906.
Charles Lyttelton (1714–1768) was an English churchman and antiquary from the Lyttelton family, who served as Bishop of Carlisle from 1762 to 1768 and President of the Society of Antiquaries of London from 1765 to 1768.
Albert Way was an English antiquary, and principal founder of the Royal Archaeological Institute.
James Talbot, 4th Baron Talbot of Malahide FRS, was an Anglo-Irish Liberal politician and amateur archaeologist.
Lindsay Allason-Jones, is a British archaeologist and museum professional specialising in Roman material culture, Hadrian's Wall, Roman Britain, and the presence and role of women in the Roman Empire. She is currently a visiting fellow at Newcastle University.
Sir John Dongan, 2nd Baronet (1603–1650) was a member of the Irish Parliament.