Buckingham Chantry Chapel facts for kids
The Buckingham Chantry Chapel is a really old building in the town of Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, England. It's also known as the Old Latin School. This special chapel was built way back in the 1400s, making it the oldest building in Buckingham! It's now looked after by the National Trust, a charity that protects historic places. One cool thing about it is its amazing doorway, which shows off very old Norman architecture. The chapel is so important that it's a "Grade II* listed" building, meaning it's officially recognized for its special history and design.
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What is the History of Buckingham Chantry Chapel?
The Buckingham Chantry Chapel has a long and interesting past. It has changed its purpose many times over the centuries.
How Old is the Chantry Chapel?
The story of this building began in the 1100s, during the 12th century. Back then, it was first used as a hospital. Hospitals in those days were often places where people could find shelter and care.
Later, in 1268, it became a chantry chapel. A chantry chapel was a special place where priests would pray for the souls of specific people, often those who had died. This particular chapel was founded by Matthew de Stratton, who was an important church leader called the Archdeacon of Buckingham.
The building you see today mostly comes from the 15th century. Around 1471 and 1481, a man named John Ruding, who was the Archdeacon of Lincoln, led big rebuilding projects. This is why the chapel looks as it does now.
When Was it a School?
After its time as a chantry chapel, the building found a new purpose. It became home to the Royal Latin School. The priests from the chapel probably taught the first students there. A house for the schoolmaster was even added next to the chapel.
The Royal Latin School stayed in this historic building for a very long time. It wasn't until 1907 that the school moved to a new, bigger location. This move happened because the school needed more space for its growing number of students.
Who Owns the Chapel Now?
In 1912, the Buckingham Chantry Chapel was given to the National Trust. This organization works to protect and preserve important historical sites and natural places across England.
The National Trust still owns the chapel today. It is open to visitors and has a unique use: it operates as a second-hand bookshop. This means you can visit a piece of history and find a great book at the same time!
