Chinnor's strategic position at the foot of the Chilterns escarpment made it an important site during the Civil War. Much of the prosperity of the village in former times came from the now closed Chinnor Cement and Lime Company and the future use of the site is the subject of discussion and speculation. Although much development has made Chinnor the largest village in South Oxfordshire, it retains many links with the past such as St. Andrew's Church with its old rood screne and Thornhill paintings, the rebuilding of its unique six-footed 200 year-old post mill, and the listed limestone kiln. Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway Association provides steam hauled rides along the old GWR branch and has rebuilt Chinnor Station. A common sight over the village are the beautiful red kites.
