Broughton Castle in Oxfordshire is a moated, fortified Tudor manor house. Nikolaus Pevsner, no less, called Broughton “the finest and most complete medieval house in the county” and there’s every reason to agree. Simon Jenkins awards the place a coveted 5 stars in his England’s Thousand Best Houses. The adjacent church of St Mary, of the same age as the castle, is of the highest quality. At the top of the house, a Council Chamber - a ‘room which hath no ears’ - was used in the English Civil War to plan opposition to the King’s government; its adjacent balcony gives fine views over the garden and estate. Inside one’s eyes can feast on fine double-linenfold oak panelling, stone arches, armour, portraits, stone carved fireplace surrounds, a superb pendant plaster ceiling and much else besides. The castle contains its own private chapel. Medieval authenticity abounds - all in excellent condition.
Broughton has been stop-over for royalty down the ages, as well as home to the Wykeham and Fiennes families since the late 14th century. Today it is a gem of a place to visit. Spending time in its moat-enclosed garden is a delight.
Broughton Castle viewed from the south-west
The south and west façades of Broughton Castle
The south and west façades of Broughton Castle
The north façade of Broughton Castle
The south façade of Broughton Castle
Detail of the south and west façades of Broughton Castle, showing vestiges of medieval tracery
Broughton Castle’s walled garden viewed from the Council Chamber’s roof terrace
Broughton Castle’s Great Hall, which incorporates the Medieval hall of 1300
The Great Parlour at Broughton Castle
An alcove in Broughton’s Long Gallery
The interior porch of Broughton’s Oak Room, thought to be from 1660-61. The inscription, translated, reads: there is no pleasure in the memory of the past.
The east window of Broughton’s Castle’s 14th century Chapel, set in 1994, using glass from the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries
The east window of Broughton Castle’s 14th century Chapel viewed from outside
The parish church of St Mary
The parish church of St Mary
The parish church of St Mary the Virgin, a Grade I listed building, restored in the 19th century but dating from the 14th century