Boarstall Tower

Boarstall Tower is a fortified stone gatehouse in Buckinghamshire, England, surrounded by a water-filled moat on three sides. The building displays arrow slits, crenellated ramparts, and contains several interior chambers from the 17th century that remain accessible to visitors.

John de Haudlo built the gatehouse in 1312 as a fortified defense for his manor estate. The design drew from similar fortifications like Tonbridge Castle in Kent.

The name traces back to a medieval legend about a wild boar hunter who received royal reward. Today visitors can still observe the old earthworks and water features that reflect this storied past.

The gatehouse sits between Bicester and Thame on the B4011 road in Buckinghamshire and is straightforward to locate. Visitors should allow adequate time to explore the building and gardens, keeping in mind that access can be challenging during wet weather.

The gatehouse was originally part of a larger manor complex, but only this fortified structure survived the centuries. This makes it a rare example of a standalone defensive building from its era.

Location: Boarstall

Operator: National Trust

Website: https://nationaltrust.org.uk/boarstall-tower

GPS coordinates: 51.82340,-1.09570

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:50