The Prehistoric Society
Analysis
The Prehistoric Society is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in London. It was registered in October 1990, 36 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training and environment/conservation/heritage, which this site groups under environment and conservation. Legally it is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO). It says it makes grants to individuals, provides advocacy/advice/information and sponsors or undertakes research.
In the financial year ending December 2025, The Prehistoric Society reported income of £123k and spending of £67k, leaving 45% of income unspent that year. Across the 5 years on record, from December 2021 to December 2025, income grew from £67k to £123k (+85%), an average of +17% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to December 2025, when income rose by 87%. Over the whole period it spent 94% of the income it received.
Among 4,574 England and Wales charities whose main cause is environment and conservation and that reported income, The Prehistoric Society sits at the 80th percentile: it is larger than about 80% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 74th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include The Sussex Historic Churches Trust (£123k), Masonic Hall Ipswich Ltd (£124k) and 71blue (£123k).
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Other 100%
In the charity's own words
The presentation of lectures to the public, organisation of conferences and day schools, organisation of field trips and study tours, making grants to individuals, annual publication of the Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society, publication of a newsletter three times a year and making representations to government and other organisations about the protection of prehistoric sites.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| The Sussex Historic Churches Trust | East Sussex | £123k |
| Masonic Hall Ipswich Ltd | Ipswich | £124k |
| 71blue | 119 Abbotsbury Road | £123k |
| Mersey Forest Foundation | Liverpool | £124k |