Ludlow

The town of Ludlow and its castle sit perched atop a cliff above the picturesque River Teme in Shropshire. A market town dominated by black-and-white Tudor-style buildings, Ludlow's architecture betrays its rich history, evidenced in its medieval street pattern, Norman castle, towering parish church, and wealth of listed buildings, including several fashionable Georgian brick houses.

Ludlow's recorded history begins in 1086 when its castle was first developed. Guarded by both the rivers Teme and Corve, Ludlow Castle stands prominently on high ground and was built as one of a line of castles to resist attack from Welsh invaders. The castle was founded by the de Lacy between 1086 and 1094 and a planned town was laid out at the castle gate soon afterwards, with the castle standing within the circuit of the town walls.

Ludlow Castle played a key role in turbulent events in English history, including the overthrow of Edward II by the castle's 14th-century owner, Roger Mortimer, and his mistress Queen Isabella, and the incarceration of the Prince of Wales and his brother before their mysterious death in the Tower of London. Ludlow played a prominent role in English literature as well. Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries many troupes of travelling actors, musicians and entertainers were employed at Ludlow Castle, no doubt the popular plays of William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe and John Webster forming part of the playbill. In addition, John Milton's masque Comus was first presented at Ludlow Castle in 1634. Sir Phillip Sidney, famous for his courtly poetry during the Elizabethan age, was son of the Lord President of Wales, based at Ludlow Castle.

We spent a brief time in Ludlow, touring the castle, exploring the town centre, and eating a lunch of sandwiches outside the castle gate, purchased from De Grey's famous tearooms on Broad Street.

Date of Our Last Visit: March 2005