To mark the Commemoration of the Fire of Buckingham during March 15th 1725 a programme of events and activities has been developed to mark this significant period in the Town’s history. They will take place in two stages. A pre-launch on 22nd February will see a range of models, installations and creative artwork open for viewing in various places around the town. Then during the week leading up to 15th March a whole host of events will be taking place from Monday 10th until Sunday 16th March 2025.
See the timeline below or –
Click here for a downloadable pdf of all the details and events
Disaster came in 1725 with terrible fire. Most of Castle Street and parts of Market Hill, West Street and Well Street were ablaze. According to one account, the fire destroyed 138 houses and left over a third of Buckingham homeless.
John Whitehead a member of BAFA.
The sketch shows the Unicorn Inn, behind which the fire started. The line of buildings from right to left are now the White Hart, Nail bar, Oxfam Charity Shop, Estate Agents, Coffee#1 and Browns’ hairdressers.
Buckingham Ablaze Timeline of Events:
Update on the Great Fire of Buckingham Talk
Thurs 6th March 2026 saw a complete full house in the University Vinson building to hear Julian Hunt deliver an extremely interesting and topical account of the aftermath of the Fire of Buckingham in 1725
This did however mean that in our success we had to sadly turn 50 or so people away, to whom we were really very sorry that they missed the talk.
As a result Julian has agreed to give a repeat of the talk on October 4th 2025 in the same venue, the Vinson Building, as part of the Bucks Archaeological Society’s Conference (further details re timings tbc) …………..and it will be streamed, for those who can’t make that date.
We are extremely pleased and encouraged by the interest in the Fire events, so please do make sure you have purchased tickets for the Finale Concert “Chariots of Fire” on Sunday March 16th in plenty of time!
Tickets: £11 for Adults and £8 for children under 16, available on line from
http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/buckingham-ablaze-chariots-of-fire-finale-concert
or call 033 666 3366
Saturday 22ndFebruary
Launch of “Buckingham Ablaze” Commemoration of the Great Fire of Buckingham 1725
Venue: Outside the Old Gaol, Buckingham Market Square
Time:10.30am
Details:
The Buckingham Town Crier calls the start of the Fire commemorations supported by a musical celebration from the Winslow Concert Band to formally open the exhibitions and installations, which are located at the following :
- The Old Gaol to house the Scale Model of the Town circa 1725 with a loop film showing the dramatised story of the fire starting.
- The Library will stage the “Clay Tile” collage created by children from six local Primary Schools plus showcase creative writing and other project work from four secondary .
- The Vinson Building in Buckingham University will host artwork created by children from local Primary Schools up to 14th March
- Window displays by town shops and businesses
- Thornton School will also launch their pupil-creation of the “Horrid History of the Fire of Buckingham” available for distribution to schools and their libraries.
These exhibitions will be open to view until March 17th, although the Town Model will continue to be on display for longer.
A Souvenir Programme will be available to purchase from today, (22nd Feb) for a suggested donation.
Thereafter it will be available from the all the Exhibition venues and several other local outlets.
No entrance fees but donations gratefully received to the Fire Fighters Charity
– https://donate.firefighterscharity.org.uk/
Thursday 6th March
The Great Fire of Buckingham Talk by Julian Hunt
Venue: Vinson Building, Buckingham University
Time: 7.30pm
Details: Supported by the Buckingham Society.
Free entry and open to the public.
Saturday 8th March
The ”ABLAZE” verge planting and railings installation outside the Old Gaol
This will remain in place for the duration of Commemoration week.
Mon 10th – Thurs 13th March
Monday 10th, Tuesday 11th , Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th March
Tours of fire affected areas of the town by trained volunteers including visits to all three exhibition locations.
Venue: The Old Gaol
Times: 10.30am: Morning tours are aimed at school groups
6.30pm: Evening tours are open to the public (Mon. Tues & Weds only)
Booking arrangements will be through the Old Gaol and are free of charge, any donations received will go towards the upkeep of the Old Gaol.
Friday 14th March
An outdoor unveiling of the memorial flagstone marking the place where the fire began
Venue: White Hart
Time: 7.30 -9pm
Details: Follows a formal reception in the White Hart Function Room with speeches and a premier viewing of the Docu-drama film “Buckingham Ablaze”. Invited guests, local dignitaries and representatives of all the groups involved with the Commemoration Project.
Saturday 15th March
Actual day of the Fire in 1725
4.30pm The High Street and Market Square will be closed to traffic for the evening event “1725 And All That” – The town centre will be transformed into 1725 with many facets of historical relevance which will set the atmosphere including music, dance, heritage crafts, a sheep and lamb pen, children’s games, refreshments and much more, all in an appropriate manner and dress.
7pm a re-enactment of the actual starting of the fire with selective musical items, lighting and other magical elements!
Sunday 16th March, 6pm
Chariots of Fire finale concert and ‘Story of the Fire’ film showing
Venue: Villiers Ballroom
Time: 6pm-7.40pm
Details: The Concert Band of the “West Midlands Fire Service” will play a variety of musical numbers accompanying the animated story of the fire compered by Charlie Ross and supported by illustrations from pupils of the Royal Latin School. This will be very suitable for families and we hope a fitting finale to the week.
Tickets: £11 for Adults and £8 for children available on line from
http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/buckingham-ablaze-chariots-of-fire-finale-concert
or call 033 666 3366
With thanks for the support and funding received from the Buckingham and Villages Community Board
Further details available from –
https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/community-and-safety/improving-your-local-community/buckingham-community-board/
