The Royal Archaeological Institute (RAI) is a

learned society A learned society ( ; also scholarly, intellectual, or academic society) is an organization that exists to promote an academic discipline, profession, or a group of related disciplines such as the arts and sciences. Membership may be open to al ...

, 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.

History

The Archaeological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland was founded in 1844 at 16

New Burlington Street New Burlington Street (originally Little Burlington Street) is a street in central London that is on land that was once part of the Burlington Estate. The current architecture of the street bears little resemblance to the original design of the ...

, London, from where it published '' The Archaeological Journal'' and held public events. The Institute arose from a dispute in the archaeological world over the formation of the

British Archaeological Association 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, co ...

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. The Institute moved to Oxford Mansions, just North East of

Oxford Circus Oxford Circus is a road junction connecting Oxford Street and Regent Street in the West End of London. It is also the entrance to Oxford Circus tube station. The junction opened in 1819 as part of the Regent Street development under John Nash ( ...

, in the early 1880s, and then to 20 Hanover Square in 1894. The library of the Royal Archaeological Institute was donated to the Society of Antiquaries and now forms part of the collection at

Burlington House Burlington House is a building on Piccadilly in Mayfair, London. It was originally a private English Baroque and then Neo-Palladian mansion owned by the Earl of Burlington, Earls of Burlington. It was significantly expanded in the mid-19th cent ...

Activities

One of the institute's principal activities is the publication of the ''Archaeological Journal'', an annual

peer-reviewed Peer review is the evaluation of work by one or more people with similar competencies as the producers of the work ( peers). It functions as a form of self-regulation by qualified members of a profession within the relevant field. Peer review ...

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 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 Charitable organization, registered charity. It is based ...

Presidents

The following have served as presidents of the institute:

References

External links

* Scientific organizations established in 1844 Archaeological organizations 1844 establishments in the United Kingdom Archaeology of the United Kingdom Organisations based in the United Kingdom with royal patronage {{UK-org-stub

History

Activities

Presidents

See also

References

External links