Claude Somerset Buckingham was born in Norwich, Norfolk, England in 1883. Nothing is known about his training or early career as an architect. By 1911 he was already working as an architect and surveyor in Norwich. By 1923 he was senior partner with Arthur Gilbert Berry (1883-1960) in the architectural firm Buckingham & Berry in Norwich. The practice designed several public houses in Norfolk.
Buckingham was elected a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (FRIBA) in 1933. His address was given as 17 Unthank Road, Norwich, Norfolk in 1911; and 43a. Prince of Wales Road, Norwich; Church Street, Sheringham, Norfolk in 1923 and 1939; and 146 London Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk in 1939. He died in Hoveton St John, Norfolk on 29 December 1943.
Factories at Norwich for Messrs. Haldinstein, 1910, the Regal Shoe Co., 1910, the Norwich Box Co., 1910, and Messrs. Ninham, 1920; Howes and Sons Garage, Norwich, 1913; Norwich High School (additions), 1920; Crostwick Hall (additions), 1912; Witton House, Norfolk, 1914; Broad House, Wrexham, 1913; Kirby Bedon Estate, Norfolk, 1912; Wrexham Hall (additions), 1914; Tacoinestone Hall (additions), 1920; ; East Coast Garage, Cromer, 1921; Roy's Stores. Wrexham, 1921; ; Muiryshade, Wrexham, 1922;Queen Street Chambers, Norwich, 1922;; Colton House, Norfolk, 1923; Easton Lodge, Norfolk, 1923
Directory of British Architects 1834-1914. Compiled by Antonia Brodie, et al. Volume 1: A-K. London; New York: British Architectural Library, Royal Institute of British Architects/Continuum, 2001