St Rumbold's Well: Ancient Sacred Spring of Buckingham
Discover the ancient sacred spring of Saint Rumbold, a medieval pilgrimage site steeped in legend and local heritage in Buckingham.
St Rumbold's Well in Buckingham is a historic holy spring linked to the Anglo-Saxon infant saint Rumbold, who lived only three days in 662 AD. The well, once a pilgrimage site famed for its curative waters, is marked by the remains of a 17th-century conduit house and protected as a scheduled ancient monument. Though now partly ruined and dry most of the year, the site preserves a rich legacy of medieval faith and local heritage.
A brief summary to St Rumbold's Well
- Buckingham, Buckingham, MK18 1DZ, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the historic ruins and surrounding medieval landscape.
- Explore nearby St Rumbold’s Lane and other local landmarks linked to the saint’s legacy.
- Bring a camera for photos of the well’s stone-lined pit and the tranquil rural setting.
- Check weather conditions as the site is outdoors and can be muddy after rain.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bus
Local bus services connect Buckingham town center to nearby stops within a 10-minute walk of St Rumbold's Well. Buses run approximately every 30 minutes during weekdays, with reduced service on weekends. Tickets cost around £2-£4 depending on the route.
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Car
Driving to St Rumbold's Well is straightforward via Buckingham’s main roads. Public parking is available in Buckingham town center, about a 15-minute walk from the well. Parking fees typically range from £1 to £3 per hour. Note that the well site itself has limited parking.
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Walking
From Buckingham town center, a pleasant 15 to 20-minute walk through quiet streets and green spaces leads to the well. The terrain is mostly flat and accessible, suitable for most visitors including families and seniors.
St Rumbold's Well location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about St Rumbold's Well
The Legend of Saint Rumbold and His Miraculous Life
Saint Rumbold, also known as Rumwold or Rumwald, was an Anglo-Saxon infant saint reputed to have lived only three days in 662 AD. Despite his brief life, medieval accounts describe him as a prodigy of Christian piety, who was able to speak, profess faith, and request baptism immediately after birth. His story tells of a holy infant who preached virtue and faith before his death, inspiring generations of believers. His burial was said to have been at three successive places, with Buckingham as his final resting place, where his shrine became a focal point for pilgrimage and veneration throughout the Middle Ages.Historical Significance and Pilgrimage Tradition
St Rumbold's Well was closely tied to the saint's cult in Buckingham, attracting pilgrims seeking healing from its reputedly curative waters. Pilgrimages to his shrine flourished until the Reformation, when such practices were suppressed and the shrine was destroyed. The well itself was enclosed by a conduit house in 1623, which supplied water to Castle House, a prominent 17th-century residence. Despite the decline of formal veneration, the saint's legacy endured in local place names, including St Rumbold’s Lane, and in the continued cultural memory of Buckingham.Architectural and Archaeological Remains
The site of St Rumbold's Well features the remains of the conduit house built over the spring in the early 17th century. Today, visitors can see a stone-lined shallow pit with remnants of steps leading down into it, the last vestiges of the medieval structure that once protected the holy spring. Archaeological efforts have preserved these ruins, and the site is now a scheduled ancient monument. The adjacent fields still show medieval ridge and furrow farming patterns, linking the well to the wider historic landscape.Modern Preservation and Cultural Legacy
Though the well is dry much of the year and has suffered vandalism, local efforts under the Buckingham Society have secured its protection and partial restoration. A memorial plaque marks the approximate location of St Rumbold’s shrine in the old churchyard of Buckingham, commemorating the saint’s enduring significance. The well remains a symbol of Buckingham’s rich medieval heritage and spiritual history, reflecting the blend of faith, folklore, and community identity that shaped the region.Broader Influence and Regional Connections
Saint Rumbold's veneration extended beyond Buckingham, with churches dedicated to him across England and his cult recognized in several pre-Conquest monasteries in Mercia and Wessex. His patronage was notably invoked by fishermen in Folkestone, Kent. The story of the infant saint has survived centuries of religious change, maintaining a place in local traditions and historical scholarship. The well at Buckingham is one of several sites associated with his life and burial, underscoring the saint’s regional spiritual importance.Visiting St Rumbold's Well Today
Today, St Rumbold's Well offers visitors a glimpse into medieval religious practices and the landscape of Anglo-Saxon England. The site’s tranquil setting invites reflection on the enduring power of faith and legend. While the physical remains are modest, the well’s story enriches Buckingham’s cultural tapestry, connecting present-day visitors with a unique chapter of English spiritual history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Buckinghamshire Military Museum Trust
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Claydon Estate
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Quainton Windmill
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Bicester Village
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Upside Down House - Milton Keynes
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Essential places to dine
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The Plough At Shutlanger
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The Five Arrows
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The Orangery at RH England
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The Bell At Hardwick, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
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Miller & Carter Aylesbury
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Little Gems Country Dining
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Nut Tree Inn
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Harvester Grange Park Northampton
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Beautifully Different Winslow
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Mrs B's Emporium
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Menkind
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Rabbit Retail
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B&M Home Store
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Aylesbury Shopping Park
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The Vintage Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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The Bridge Nightclub
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
