It was the first new Catholic church built in Buckinghamshire since the Reformation, one of the last designed by Pugin and contains the relic of St James the Apostle's left hand.

From his time in Oxford University he was influenced by John Henry Newman and joined the Catholic Church while visiting Rome.

He spoke with the Vicar Apostolic of the Midland District and later Archbishop of Westminster, Nicholas Wiseman about a suitable architect.

The windows were made by Hardman & Co.. Scott-Murray funded the construction of the church, and the Earl of Shrewsbury, Charles Chetwynd-Talbot also participated in its creation.

It was designed by Francis Pollen and did not disturb the original fittings and interior of the Pugin-designed church, and can be accessed through the lady chapel.