Tributes have been paid to Lord Saye and Sele, described as a "champion" of Banbury who had a "profound impact on the history, culture, and local people" in the area.
Nathaniel Fiennes, 21st Baron Saye and Sele, died on Saturday, January 20 aged 103 at Godswell House with his wife, Mariette and children, twins Martin and Susannah and William around him.
Lord Saye - who inherited Broughton Castle from his father in 1968 – lived an extraordinary life including personal tragedy witnessing the horrors of the Holocaust.
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He was one of the first British soldiers to enter the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1943.
It was not until he was in his 90s that he could speak about the horrors he saw.
In 2020 to mark the 75th anniversary of the camp’s liberation, he met Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich MBE who recalled her own liberation from the notorious camp.
Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “Lord Saye and Sele was outspoken about the need to preserve the truth of the past and to counter Holocaust denial.
“Almost 79 years after he entered the camp, these sentiments are as necessary as ever before.
“Our condolences to his family. May his memory be a blessing.”
Broughton Castle has been used by many organisations and charities for fundraising events and has become well known as a location for films and TV programmes, most recently the hit series, The Crown.
Kieron Mallon leader of Banbury Town Council said: “As we mourn the loss of Lord Saye and Sele, our thoughts and prayers extend to his family.
"We have lost a true friend and champion. There is hardly a local charity or organisation who have not been touched by his generosity and dedication.
"Let us reflect on the life of Lord Saye and Sele, Soldier, custodian, charitable benefactor, remembering a man who leaves a profound impact on the history, culture, and local people of Broughton, Banbury and the castle itself.
"His legacy endures, may he rest in eternal peace”.
A spokesperson for the Rotary Club of Banbury said: “An honorary member of Banbury Rotary Club and a generous, hugely respected and well-liked member of the local community.”
"We know that Mariette, family and friends will be feeling a great loss and we send our deepest sympathy and condolences."
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