LUDLOW CASTLE

Shropshire

Ludlow Castle is one of the very best in England, dominating the beautiful little town which was once the centre of the Middle March of the Welsh Border.

The Castle was one of the first in England to be built of stone, with no sign of an initial wooden construction.  The curtain wall dates back to the time of Roger de Lacy who probably built it between 1086 and 1095 when he was banished.  The town didn't exist at the time and grew up in the Castle's shadow.

In 1138 King Stephen laid siege to Ludlow Castle in an attempt to remove Queen Matilda's supporters.  He failed, although he did apparently undertake a daring rescue of the King of Scotland's son, this is said to have happened at the Beacon Tower, although this tower most likely dates from later.

The Castle became the subject of a tussle between three Marchers Lords; Joce de Dinan, Hugh de Mortimer and Walter de Lacy.  Whilst Joce was ambushing and capturing Hugh, Walter moved in and occupied Ludlow Castle.  However, it later passed into the hand of Roger Mortimer, the favourite of Queen Eleanor.  It was around this period that the gatehouse was turned into the keep (pictured, centre).  Roger Mortimer was executed by the somewhat ungrateful Henry III for his part in the overthrow of Edward II, but surprisingly the Mortimers kept Ludlow Castle until 1424, and the vast majority of the buildings we are left with today date from their occupation.

The Castle then passed to Richard, Duke of York and the Castle was sacked during the Wars of the Roses in 1459.  Richard's son, Edward IV, became King and the Castle became the seat of the Council of the Marches.  The Council continued to meet here until 1689.

The Civil War arrived here in 1645, and a long siege by Parliament began which resulted in some damage - but not as much as when George I had the roof stripped of all its lead, allowing the weather into the Castle.

However, despite this act of wanton vandalism, Ludlow Castle remains today one of the most impressive of all England's Castles and coupled with the town's beauty Ludlow makes a superb day out for any visitor.

Back to Castles of Shropshire Page

© Text copyright - Raving Loony Productions, Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Photos and Artwork - Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Web Design and Layout - Andrew J. Müller
2018