The family of Ralph Fiennes has restored the property to bring the home into the 21st century
Broughton Castle was built 700 years ago(Image credit: Broughton Castle)
Broughton Castle, an ancient estate owned by the Fiennes family for over 600 years, stands as a beacon of history, architecture and enduring heritage.
With its roots tracing back to the 14th century, the house has been renovated many times, each adding layers of history while preserving the essence of the estate.
Today, under the stewardship of Ralph Fiennes's family the castle continues to evolve, carefully balancing the needs of modern preservation with respect for its remarkable past.
Broughton Castle: A fortress of history and renovation
The Fiennes' family have spent centuries renovating the castle(Image credit: Broughton Castle)
Originally built in the 14th century, Broughton Castle was granted a "license to crenellate" in 1406 by Sir Thomas Wykeham, transforming it into the fortified stronghold we see today.
The iconic gatehouse, moat and battlements stand as reminders of its medieval origins. However, the castle has not remained static over the centuries. Major renovations took place throughout the 16th and 18th centuries as successive generations of the Fiennes family worked to enhance and modernise the estate.
A particularly significant restoration occurred in the 1970s when the Fiennes family restored the original moat to blend old-world charm with the property.
The Fiennes family’s dedication to preservation
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A ground source heat pump heats the house(Image credit: Broughton Castle)
The restoration of the castle's stonework took 12 years(Image credit: Broughton Castle)
The King's chamber has stayed the same for centuries(Image credit: Broughton Castle)
One of the key moments in the Castle’s restoration history occurred in 1957 when Ralph Fiennes' granduncle led the restoration of the Castle's roof.
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In the 1970s, the Fiennes family led the refurbishment of the Castle’s interior, followed by a 12-year-long project between 1983 and 1994 that involved scaffolding and a complete restoration of the outer stonework of the Castle.
The Fiennes family has also modernised the infrastructure of the Castle, installing a ground source heat pump to provide heating and hot water in the limited parts of the Castle that are heated.
In addition, modern security systems have been put in place to protect the estate’s invaluable artifacts and artwork.
Great Hall remains untouched
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The Oak room has featured in many films such as Shakespeare in Love(Image credit: Broughton Castle)
The Great Hall is as it was when it was built in the 16th century(Image credit: Broughton Castle)
The Great Hall continues to be the heart of family gatherings and historical significance.
Contrary to previous reports, there has been no extensive restoration of the Hall’s 16th-century stained glass windows, nor any custom lighting added to highlight its medieval grandeur. The Hall retains its architectural integrity and preserves the history of various periods that have shaped its structure.
The Great Hall at Broughton Castle has a plaster ceiling dating back to 1760. It was recently cleaned in 2023, but it did not require full restoration. While the ceiling has been carefully maintained, no major renovations were needed.
The Oak Room, a central feature of the Castle's 16th-century expansion, is known for its portrayal in films like Shakespeare in Love and Jane Eyre.
This room is as it was when it was built giving a glimpse into the past when the castle was built. The panelling, plaster ceiling and fireplace remain unchanged.
The only alteration was to the main painting in the Oak Room was cleaned and restored in 2015.
Breathing new life into the garden
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The Ladies Garden was built in the 1890s(Image credit: Broughton Castle)
The garden has as many as 150 different types of roses(Image credit: Broughton Castle)
The gardens at Broughton Castle, particularly the Ladies Garden, remain largely as they were since their creation in the 1890s by Lady Algernon Gordon-Lennox.
The work of the Fiennes family has ensured that the garden retains its original charm, with ongoing maintenance preserving the beauty and historical value of the space.
While the Fiennes family does introduce new rose varieties each year, these plants are easily available from commercial sources. The garden features approximately 150 different types of roses.
Restoring this property took hundreds of years but the Fienne's family finally have a home that has been brought into the 21st century.
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
