Prayer Spaces at Buckden Towers

Places of Prayer, Memory, and Living Faith

At Buckden Towers, prayer has been offered for centuries. From its origins as a residence of the Bishops of Lincoln to its present life as a parish and retreat centre, the site has always been a place where people come to encounter God.

The Main Chapel (Church of St Hugh of Lincoln)

The main chapel at Buckden Towers is the Church of St Hugh of Lincoln, built in the late 1950s as part of the Claretian Missionaries’ development of the site.

Constructed in a simple, modern style, the church was designed to harmonise with the historic surroundings of the Tudor tower and courtyard.

This chapel serves as the parish church, the central place of worship, and the gathering point for the celebration of the Eucharist and the sacraments.

The Lady Chapel

Adjoining the main church is the Lady Chapel, a quieter and more intimate space dedicated to prayer and devotion.

Part of this chapel stands on the site of the earlier palace chapel, linking it directly to the medieval spiritual life of Buckden Towers.

It offers a peaceful space for personal prayer, Marian devotion, and smaller liturgical gatherings.

The Claret Chapel

Beyond the Lady Chapel lies the Claret Chapel, a smaller and more contemplative space closely associated with the spirituality of the Claretian Missionaries.

Constructed from salvaged historic masonry, it has a distinctive character rooted in the history of the site.

Today it is often used for silent prayer, retreat groups, and small gatherings.

A Living Tradition of Prayer

Together, these chapels express the living tradition of prayer at Buckden Towers—bringing together community worship, quiet devotion, and contemplative mission.