St Mary Avington is one of the best preserved Georgian churches in the country. It is built of brick and the interior, with its mahogany woodwork, remains much as it was when built in 1768-71. The donor was Margaret Brydges, Marchioness of Carnarvon and first wife of the third Duke of Chandos.

`	The church from the grounds  of Avington Hall

Below: the memorial for Anna Eliza, first Duchess of Buckingham and Chandos. The quotation is from Job, chapter 29.

Near this place repose the mortal remains of the Most Noble Lady Anna Eliza Brydges Duchess of Buckingham and Chandos Daughter and Heiress of James, the last Duke of Chandos and Consort of Richard Grenville Nugent Temple Duke of Buckingham and Chandos K.G. She died at Stowe, in the County of Buckingham on the 16th of May in the Year of Grace 1836 and in the 57th Year of her Age Her virtues would have adorned a Cottage, as highly as they did Her illustrious rank and Royal descent She valued only as they gave her the means of extending her charities and administering to the wants of the poor around her. Amidst their blessings She sought her great reward and amidst their tears She was conveyed to this, her last home on earth. "When the ear heard HER, then it blessed HER. When the eye saw HER, it gave witness to HER."

Memorial for Margaret, Marchioness of Carnarvon (transciption)