Ludlow Castle

Be inspired by one of the finest medieval castles in the UK and explore the evocative ruins, as you bathe in over 900 years of tumultuous and extraordinary history.

Built in the 11th Century as a border stronghold, Ludlow Castle has been involved in some of the most significant moments of British history.

Only 20 years after the Norman Conquest, Roger de Lacy, a Marcher Lord, began work on construction of the castle. Roger Mortimer enlarged the Castle in the 14th century, and it was later involved in the Wars of the Roses, as the home of Richard, Duke of York.

The castle became Crown property in 1461 and became the home of the Council of the Marches. Prince Arthur (elder brother of Henry VIII) brought his bride, Catherine of Aragon, to Ludlow in 1501, before his early death six months later. Catherine later married Henry VIII and their daughter, Mary Tudor (Mary I) spent three winters at Ludlow from 1525 to 1528.

Sir Henry Sidney lived and worked in the Castle as President of the Council of the Marches for 20 years in the 16th century and was responsible for the last major extension to the Castle.

Abandoned in 1689, the castle quickly fell into ruin, described as ‘the very perfection of decay’ by Daniel Defoe.

In 1811 the ruins were purchased from the Crown by the first Earl of Powis and remain privately owned and maintained by the family.

Today the castle is the home to several major festivals throughout the year and is open to the public for all to enjoy.

For opening times and more details visit www.ludlowcastle.com