A special evening will mark the 900th anniversary of the completion of a key focal point in one of Warwick's most historic sites.

The Lord Leycester is inviting members of the public and supporters to join it for a special summer evening celebrating the 900th anniversary of the completion of the Chapel of St James - which has played a central role in the history of the collection of Medieval buildings for nearly nine centuries.

The chapel is also where key occasions involving the Brethren - the community of veterans who live at the Lord Leycester - take place, including their inauguration when they are first welcomed to the Warwick-based charity, as well as their regular Brethren's Prayers, which this year were opened up to the public for the first time.

Taking place on Friday, 31 July, the anniversary evening will also act as a fundraiser to support the ongoing preservation of the Chapel of St James and the charitable work of the Lord Leycester, giving people the opportunity to help support what is believed to be one of the oldest veterans' charities in the world.

Attendees will enjoy a wine reception with canapés in the beautiful surroundings of the chapel and gardens, accompanied by live music from the Mellow Sounds Recorder Trio. Throughout the evening, guests will have the opportunity to explore a special exhibition celebrating 900 years of the Chapel of St James, alongside a series of short historical performances by Warwick's very own Slaughterhouse Players, bringing the chapel's rich history to life.

Daren Bowyer, Master of the Lord Leycester, said: "The Chapel of St James sits at the heart of the Lord Leycester not only physically, but in terms of the key historic events that it has bore witness to over centuries.

"In the spirit of our efforts this year to remind people that the Lord Leycester is so much more than a collection of buildings, but a piece of living breathing history and a vital charity for veterans, we wanted to mark the anniversary of its completion with the wider community, and create a special evening that is full of celebration and also helps support the preservation of this hugely significant building.

"We're looking forward to welcoming people for what should be a special evening at what really is a unique place."

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Tickets for the fundraiser evening, which starts at 6pm, are priced £35 per person and include: a wine reception; canapes, live music from the Mellow Sounds Recorder Trio; historical performances by the Slaughterhouse Player and entry to the 900th anniversary exhibition. All proceeds will go directly towards the ongoing care of the Lord Leycester Chapel and veterans' charity.

For more details on upcoming activities, events and exhibitions at the Lord Leycester, visit here.