Buckingham Parish Church

Our History


Why, in a town as old as Buckingham, is the Parish Church only 200 years old?


There has been a church in Buckingham, since Saxon Times. The old church used to stand further down the hill, at the bottom of what is now called Church Street, in Prebend End- you can still see the site of the church in the old church yard.

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In 1776 the spire on the old church, for the second time, fell down and caused so much damage that it was decided to build a new church on the vacant site of Castle Hill. This new church, in the 'Debased Gothic' style, was consecrated by the Bishop of Lincoln on 6th December 1780 and dedicated to the Apostles Peter and Paul.

Due to the foundations being insufficient and several cracks appearing, in 1866 extensive restoration was carried out including adding butresses (to prop up the building). A new chancel was also added and a decoration scheme in the Gothic style completed by the local architect Sir George Gilbert Scott. The tower and spire remain unchanged since 1780, and the windows slightly altered. The buttresses and porch are the work of Scott.

Remnants of the original Church include finely carved Pew Heads and a magnificent early 18th century brass chandelier. The greatest treasure is a rare Latin manuscript Bible originally presented in 1471.

The ancient town of Buckingham or "Bucken Hame" (home of the buck) as it was known prior to the Roman invasion stands by the River Ouse in the centre of England. Sadly most of the town centre was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1725.

The "Charter Fairs" are held on two consecutive Saturdays in October every year to celebrate Mary Tudor's 1554 and Charles II 1684 granting of charters to the Borough.  You can read a succinct history of the Town here which includes a good amount about the Parish Church.

Further Reading

The Church has published a number of interesting booklets and guides on the history of the Church and its many features. The latest History Guide was published in 2008 and is available to purchase in the Church and the Buckingham Tourist Information Office. There is also a guide to the stain glass windows that can be obtained from the Parish Office. Both guides are deposited at the local library.

Other interesting publications relate to the legend of St Rumbold, and the story of the historic Rectory - both available in Church.

 

Hello
Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
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Planning your Visit

A Warm Hello 

The following information is specifically for those planning a visit, so that you know, beforehand, what to expect on a Sunday morning.

Where and When

We meet at BP Church for our Sunday Services starting at 9am, 11am or 6pm. When you arrive, you should be greeted by someone on our Welcome Team who will be wearing a Welcome lanyard.

We serve tea, coffee and biscuits before the services begin. It is a great way to meet people, or simply take time to find your bearings. All refreshments are free.

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What about my kids?

Click here for our kids programme.

The kids group activities vary depending on the age but usually there is a friendly welcome, bible stories, testimonies, praying, music, craft, drama, fun games and free play. Please pick your children up as soon as the service finishes.

Children

Getting Connected


Connect Groups

While Sundays are a great way to meet new people, it is often in smaller gatherings that you can really get to know someone. Being part of one of our small groups allows you to make new friends, share together and support each other. We have a variety of groups that meet throughout the week, some afternoons and some evenings. Check out Connect Groups and see if there’s one that you could join, or we can put you in touch with a small group leader who will be more than happy to invite you along to their group.

Serving and Volunteering

If you want to get involved in the life of the church and help us make Sundays run smoothly, you can sign up to serve on a team. 

Other Ministries

We also run the following ministries:

  • Men's Ministries
  • Women's Ministries
  • Foodbank
  • Choir
     
Get in touch with us to plan your visit
If you would like to come and visit the church beforehand you are more than welcome! Get in touch and we can arrange a time that suits you.
 
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Comments / Questions or anything you would like to say?

Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit.
 

Leadership 

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Will Pearson-Gee   Jo Wigley
Rector       Associate Minister for Pastoral Care
 
We hope that whoever you are, you will feel at home at our church.

Best Wishes