其前身是1586年成立的文物学院(College of Antiquaries),但该组织在1614年被詹姆斯一世封禁。伦敦文物学会的首次集会发生于1707年12月,地址在河岸街[4],创始成员包括约翰·塔尔曼、约翰·巴格福德和哈弗莱·万利,并获得了第一代牛津伯爵罗伯特·哈利的支持,但由于哈利仕途不利而未能取得皇家宪章,直到1751年才由副会长约瑟夫·艾洛菲取得[5]。
Kendrick, T. D.; Mann, J.G. The Presidents of the Society of Antiquaries of London: with biographical notes. Society of Antiquaries Occasional Papers 2. London: Society of Antiquaries. 1945.
Evans, Joan. A History of the Society of Antiquaries. London: Society of Antiquaries. 1956.
Pearce, Susan (编). Visions of Antiquity: the Society of Antiquaries of London 1707–2007. London: Society of Antiquaries. 2007.
Thompson, F. H. The Society of Antiquaries of London: Its History and Activities. Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society. 3rd. 1981, 93: 1–16.