The group was founded in 1985 for those concerned with the past, present and future of historic farm buildings. It recognises their importance as evidence for past farming systems and technologies, the development of agricultural and constructional practices, and more generally for the life and work of our ancestors, peasant and monk, landowner and farmer, craftsmen and surveyor, engineer and architect.

The HFBG produces a bi-annual Review, containing information on HFBG activities and short articles.

The HFBG organises an annual conference as well as occasional special conferences focusing on particular issues of the day.