Ludlow, Shropshire
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Ludlow
Ludlow is often called "the perfect historic town". There are nearly 500 listed buildings, while the medieval street pattern survives almost intact, together with many ancient properties or burgage plots. The castle was built by the Normans in the late 11th century, one of a line of castles along the Marches to keep out the Welsh. Under its protection, an ambitiously large new town was laid out, with a rectilinear street plan. This included a large market place, part of which survives as Castle Square. Ludlow has always been primarily a market town, serving the needs of a large rural area. The town prospered, due to the collection and sale of wool and the manufacture of cloth, some of which was marketed abroad. The parish church reflects this prosperity while a number of both stone and timber framed buildings survive from this period. The castle became crown property in 1461, though it was acquired by the 2nd Earl of Powis in 1811. Edward V, Prince Arthur and other royal children were brought up at Ludlow and the castle became the headquarters of the Council of the Marches, which governed Wales and the border counties until 1689. The Council's courts were very active, and the town was full of lawyers, clerks and royal messengers. Many well known houses such as Castle Lodge and the Feathers, were built as the private homes of Council members and employees. In the 18th and 19th centuries Ludlow was a fashionable social centre and county families built elegant brick houses. Glove making was now the major industry, reaching a peak production of 660,000 gloves in 1814. Population grew rapidly, causing many back buildings in the congested town centre, though after 1850 there was expansion eastwards. The parish church of St Laurence is one of the largest in the country. It was mostly rebuilt in the mid-15th century but some earlier features survive. There are fine misericords and stained glass. The poet A.E. Housman, author of A Shropshire Lad is commemorated in the churchyard. Places to visit: |
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