Broughton Castle, a medieval fortified manor house in Oxfordshire.

Address: Broughton Castle, Banbury OX15 5EB.

Broughton Castle, a medieval manor house, has been the seat of the Fiennes family, Barons Saye and Sele, since the early 15th century. And it is one of the rare examples of a privately owned castle that has been occupied by the same family for almost 700 years! 

The original house was built in 1300 by Sir John de Broughton, a Knight of King Edward I. In 1377, the house was sold to William Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, who founded Winchester College and of New College in Oxford. In 1451, Broughton Castle passed by inheritance to the Fiennes family, Barons Saye and Sele. And now it is still the home to the same family, 21st Lord and Lady Saye and Sele.

In 1550, Broughton Castle underwent a serious transformation. Richard Fiennes, the owner at that time, significantly enlarged the building and embellished the interiors. One of the most striking features was a plastered ceiling in the Great Parlour, with initials of Richard Fiennes. The interiors of the castle are truly authentic. We were really surprised at how many of its original features have been carefully retained.

Who were among the special guests of the castle? Of course, kings and queens! Look into Queen Anne’s Room, named because Queen Anne of Denmark, wife of James I, slept in there in 1604. The King’s Chamber was used by two kings. King James I visited Broughton Castle four times, between 1604 and 1619. King Edward VII stayed in the castle in 1890.

The castle is, beyond doubt, stunning from the outside as well. It stands on an artificial island, surrounded by a wide moat. The small bridge leads you through the Gatehouse to the large courtyard and the front entrance of the house. The icing on the cake is access to the roof with a great view over the garden and grounds. All the above has made Broughton Castle a perfect location for films and TV programmes: Shakespeare in Love (1998), Three Men and a Little Lady (1990), The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982) and others.