The organization of archaeological affairs is slightly different in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Irland. The Committee of Historic Monuments in England is a consultant of the government on archaeological subjects. Some other organizations function more or less in the same way. The British Academy finances the British Archaeological Schools abroad and offers research scholarships; some companies of Ihe private sector also offer such scholarships, while the local authorities maintain their own archaeological services. The companies of land-improvement finance the archeological works required prior to their own operations, while the powerful amateurish element is represented by the Council of British Archaeology. The English Heritage was established in April 1984. Its objective is to create the circumstances for the long term preservation, greater understanding and enjoyment of the Historic Environment for the sake of the present and future generations; to achieve its goal it combines experts’ advice, cultural education,
representational examples, sound arguments, effective interference and financial support. The English Heritage is basically ruled by the Archaeological Monuments and Districts Law of 1979 and is directed by Commissioners and a President who is appointed by the Secretary of the National Heritage. Its cooperation with other European Organizations is achieved through the Council of Europe. The British School of Athens, which celebrated its centennial in 1986, is supported financially mainly by allowances coming from the British Academy, although the money for research, studies and excavations usually comes from donations and contributions. It organizes archaeological missions and excavations and offers a series of courses of various levels, lectures and seminars annually. The British School owns a building complex in Athens where among others the following services are housed; George Finley’s library, another library of 60,000 volumes, an archive of maps and photographs, and the Fitch Archaeometry Laboratory (ceramics). It has also maintained in Knossos, Crete a small library and a Stratigraphical Museum. The British School of Athens publishes various important periodicals.
