Braybrooke Castle site

Explore Braybrooke

Local Landmarks

From a medieval moated castle to two beautiful historic churches, Braybrooke is full of remarkable places to discover.

Medieval Heritage

Braybrooke Castle

Though demolished between 1960 and 1963, Braybrooke Castle has a remarkable 700-year history. First mentioned in the mid-12th century, it developed from a timber manor into a moated castle, hosting royalty and playing a key role in English history.

Today, the earthwork and buried remains of the medieval moated manor (80 metres square) can still be explored. Features include a large rectangular pond to the north, a series of interconnecting fishponds to the west, and remains of further enclosures and water control features.

c.1150 First mentioned in historical records
1303 Thomas de Latimer granted licence to strengthen the manor
1361 Described as a castle in official records
1564 Queen Elizabeth I visits Sir Thomas Griffin
1605 King James I pays a visit
1960–63 Castle demolished due to poor condition

Cricket on the Castle Grounds

Today, Braybrooke Cricket Club plays Sunday matches on the Old Castle grounds — a wonderful blend of sport and history.

Braybrooke Castle site
Braybrooke Castle earthworks Castle barn at Braybrooke

Castle site photos: Paul Davis / Historic England. Castle barn: Geoff Pitcher.

Places of Worship

The Churches

All Saints Church from the fields
Church of England

All Saints Church

A beautiful medieval church with origins in the 11th century. Notable features include the Griffin Chapel (16th century), an effigy of Sir Thomas Latymer, and the remarkable font depicting a fish eating a mermaid. The tower was added in the 15th century.

Newland St, Braybrooke, LE16 8LW
Services: 10am every Sunday (alternating)
Visit church website
Braybrooke Baptist Chapel
Baptist

Braybrooke Baptist Chapel

Established in the 19th century, the Baptist Chapel on Griffin Road holds a special place in the community. The two churches alternate their Sunday services and hold united services with sister churches across the benefice on the fifth Sunday.

Griffin Road, Braybrooke
01858 466216
Services: 10am every Sunday (alternating)
Northamptonshire countryside
Location

The Village Setting

Braybrooke is situated in a beautiful valley between two ridges in Northamptonshire. One ridge is surmounted by the A6 trunk road between Market Harborough and Kettering. The surrounding land in the parish is a mixture of pasture and arable farmland.

The village lies approximately halfway between Market Harborough (to the north-east) and Desborough (to the south-west), making it an ideal base for exploring both Northamptonshire and Leicestershire.

Market Harborough
Approx. 6 miles
Desborough
Approx. 4 miles
Postcode
LE16 8LW
County
Northamptonshire