Buckingham Chantry Chapel

Buckingham Chantry Chapel is the oldest building in Buckingham, tucked into a corner of the market square opposite the post office. It was built in the late twelfth century as part of St John's Hospital and later converted into a chantry chapel by the Master of the House of St Thomas of Acon. In 1540 it became the home of the Royal Latin School, and by 1781 it also held a Sunday School, said to be only the second in the country. Restored under Sir George Gilbert Scott in the 1870s, it was bought by public subscription and given to the National Trust in 1912. Today it is a second-hand bookshop run by volunteers, and reviewers single out their warm welcome and readiness to explain the building's history, along with the tea and cake. Dogs are welcome on leads throughout the chapel. One tip from visitors: there is no parking here, so use a town car park. Entry is up five small steps and, because opening depends on volunteer availability, the Trust asks visitors to ring Stowe Gardens before setting off.