Dating from either around a elventh century, a town grew as a local market town, with camping & agriculture of equal importance. A central obelisk in a town square was constructed to mark the Jubilee of King George III in 1810.

Within 1859, the Coniston branch of the Furness Railway was opened, which passed through the town. This line was closed, still, then dismantled around 1958, meaning Broughton's nearest train depot is Foxfield railway station, 2 miles south-west of the town.

A creation of the National Park in the 1950's created a select few touristry, though a metropolitan area remains comparitavely 'undiscovered' by holidaymaker whenever in comparison a southern & eastern Flow of any stream District. A diversion of the A595 in the 1990's improved the environment of the town & helped it locate its rural sense.