The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies, a registered charity, was founded in 1971 to promote the study of the eighteenth century, not only as it was experienced in Britain but throughout the world. The Society strives to be as fully multi- and inter-disciplinary as possible. It encourages research into, inter alia, art history, dance history, economics, education, linguistics, literature, medicine, music, philosophy, politics, science, sociology, sport and theatre – indeed, into all aspects of eighteenth-century history, culture and society. The Society also strives to encourage good practice and new approaches to teaching and researching the eighteenth century.

The Society publishes the Journal for Eighteenth-Century Studies four times a year. All members receive printed copies of the Journal as well as access to the full run of the electronic edition. BSECS organises a major international conference every January, and supports a number of smaller specialist or regional conferences throughout the year, including a conference especially designed for postgraduate students. The Society sponsors two prizes in eighteenth-century studies: the BSECS Digital Eighteenth-Century Prize for innovative digital resources that facilitate the study of the eighteenth century, and the President’s Prize for the best paper presented by a postgraduate at the Annual Conference. BSECS also provides bursaries for postgraduate students, and for established scholars from countries with less developed economies, to attend its conferences.