EH and the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England work together to assist and promote good practice in the care and conservation of cathedrals. 1995 saw the publication of Records and recording of cathedral fabric, the report of a joint working group, which was the result of growing concern at the absence of catalogues of existing plans and drawings of cathedrals' fabric. The report emphasised the need to make and keep accurate analytical records as a prerequisite for understanding the fabric, for specifying repairs, and for reinstatement in the case of loss. The report sets out guidance on preparing and archiving records, and information on methods and levels of recording and in conjunction with the requirement in the 1990 Care of Cathedrals Measure that the cathedral architect should undertake quinquennial reports in consultation with the archaeological advisor, provides a framework for integrating the archaeological understanding of cathedral fabric with the ongoing maintenance and care for these important buildings. For churches, almost all Diocesan Advisory Committees now have nominated archaeologists who are able to provide advice on the archaeological implications of proposals for both above and below ground archaeology. EH is working with the Council for the Care of Churches and the Council of British Archaeology to consider best practice in this sphere.
