Ye Spotted Dogge

Buckingham House dates back to the early part of the sixteenth century when, in 1523, it was first licensed as "Le Greyhounde" as an inn in the charge of Richard Palschyd who was a collector of taxes. It then became home to John Chadderton who was Captain of the garrison at Southsea Castle. Many exposed timbers in the property have been dated back to circa 1450 by English Heritage experts. By 1628 the building was known as Ye Spotted Dogge Inne and was the scene of the assassination of George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham by naval lieutenant John Felton. The dagger which is reputed to have been used to commit the murder is on display. The house had been prepared for a visit by the King with special panelling in his proposed bedchamber. On the day of the murder, it was thought too dangerous for the King to venture into the old High Street.