Moreton-in-Marsh is a 13th century market town in the northern Cotswolds. It has been a travellers' town for at least 1,700 years and was used as a coaching inn before the coming of the railways. The town’s traditional market is still held every Tuesday.

Many of the town’s historic buildings survive and lend Moreton-in-Marsh a distinctive and memorable charm and elegance. The High Street features many notable buildings including the 16th century Curfew tower. Its bell was rung nightly until 1860 to remind people of the risk of fire at night.

It was King Henry VIII who granted the Manor House to the Dean and Chapter of Westminster in the year 1539. Eventually ownership passed to the Creswyke family. It is believed that the present building dates back to 1545. A direct line can be traced to Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon who married the Duke of York, later to become King George VI, who stayed in the hotel during the Second World War.