Broughton is surrounded by a moat, but the fact that it called a "castle" is somewhat misleading, for it is more a superb example of a late medieval mansion house, which was later enhanced in Tudor times, and later still the subject of various alterations.
Broughton Castle is the elegant home of Lord and Lady Saye and Sele. It was their ancestor, the 15th baron of Saye and Sele, who through insufficient funds spared the house the Victorian "make-over" so fashionable during his lifetime. Thus, we are able to see a graceful house mostly of the 16th-century, but with features from the 14th-century.
Historically in the 17th-century, William Fiennes, 8th-Lord Saye and Sele, stood against Charles I on the issue of ruling without Parliament, he further refused to take the Oath of Allegiance to the King. Broughton Castle became a meeting place for opponents of the King, but when Charles was beheaded, William separated himself from the opposition and withdrew from public life. Following the restoration of 1660, he was given a pardon.
In this magnificent historic house there is much that is eye catching, particularly in the oldest part of the house where you see 14th-century carved corbel-heads in the groined passage, the Dining Room also dates from this same period. There are other passageways with vaulted ceilings, and a stairway leads to the private 14th-century chapel with its unique alter stone.
The ceiling of the "white" room shows all the artistry of the Elizabethan craftsmen, it has fascinating plasterwork, and the "oak" room is full of splendid Jacobean panelling. There are two imposing chimney-pieces, one is of marble in a distinctly English style of around 1551, and as if in sharp contrast the other reflects the style of Fontainebleau and is built of stone and stucco.
In the Great Hall there are Gothic ceiling pendants, a display of arms and armour from the Civil War, and the Fiennes family tree.
King James Ist's wife Queen Ann of Denmark visited in 1604, the room used by her is available for public view, as is the King's Chamber, used by James I, and later by Edward VII.
The house is surrounded by a mixture of formal and informal gardens, with a delightful fragrant rose garden surrounded entirely by box hedging in a variety of designs, colourful herbaceous borders add to the interest of the gardens.
The splendid gatehouse is also open to the public.
Broughton Castle has limited opening, but is usually open on Bank Holidays and on Wednesday and Sunday between May and September, with additional Thursday opening in July and August.
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