Buckingham Chantry Chapel

Tucked away in a cosy corner of the market square, discover the oldest building in Buckingham. It’s had many uses and today it’s a thriving second hand bookshop and coffee shop. While away the time in this atmospheric and tranquil setting with a good book and a delicious locally made snack. Built in the late 12th century as part of St John’s Hospital, the chapel was granted to the Master of the House of St Thomas of Acon in London, who converted it into a chantry chapel.

In 1540 the chapel became the home of the Royal Latin School. It was a school from 1552 until 1907. By 1781 it was also a Sunday School, said to be only the second such school in the country. The chapel was twice restored by public subscription, in 1857 and again, under the direction of Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1879. In 1912 the chapel was bought by public subscription and given to the National Trust.