A Brief History
The CAMBRIDGE ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY was founded in 1840 to provide access for local people to the local history, architecture and archaeology of Cambridgeshire (which now includes the old County of Huntingdon and the new Unitary Authority of Peterborough). Among other benefits, members are eligible to attend the annual programme of monthly lectures, are entitled to a reduced fee for the Society's two annual conferences, and receive a copy of the Society's annual publications.
The CAS Council
CAS has a governing Council made up of twelve ordinary members, a Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar, Editor, Conference Secretary, Librarian, three Vice-Presidents and a President. The Council meets four times annually and includes members who represent a wide range of interests and expertise.
Resources for Research
The University of Cambridge Faculty of Archaeology and Anthropology has two main research resources, the Haddon Library and the Museum. Developed from nineteenth century collections, both are open to CAS members. The Haddon Library is located on Downing Street in Cambridge. It houses a comprehensive range of archaeological publications, books and periodicals. The CAS collections of maps and rare books are housed in a separate room.
The University's Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is an internationally important collection of over one million ethnographic and archaeological artefacts from around the globe.
CAS Collections
In addition to its collection in the Haddon Library, CAS collections include over 8,000 photographs of Cambridgeshire stored in the Cambridgeshire Collection; nearly 3,000 lantern slides of Cambridgeshire stored in the County Record Office; and the early ninteenth century Relhan Collection (over 350 watercolours of Cambridgeshire) and an extensive collection of rubbings of monumental brasses kept by the Cambridge University Library.
Local Responsibilities
We undertake to:
- comment on proposals by the Local Authorities
- represent the interest of local history, archaeology and architecture within the County
- provide representatives to local bodies such as Archives Advisory Panel
- provide a representative to the Council for British Archaeology
- comment on Listed Buildings applications
In 1999 CAS adopted a formal policy on Heritage, with the stated aim "To strive for the safeguarding, investigation and preservation of Cambridgeshire's past, and to act as a key disseminator of knowledge about the County".
Last updated by webmaster@camantsoc.org
November 2006
© CAS 2006