Ludlow Castle
One of the finest medieval ruins in England.
Castle Square, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1AY
Built in the 11th Century as a border stronghold, Ludlow Castle has been involved in some of the most significant moments of British history.
Built by Roger de Lacy only 20 years after the Norman Conquest, it was later enlarged in the 14th century by Roger Mortimer, and was 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 seat of the Council of the Marches, keeping order over the Welsh border. In 1501 Prince Arthur (elder brother of Henry VIII) brought his bride, Catherine of Aragon, to Ludlow 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. He was responsible for the last major extension to the Castle.
By 1811 the ruins were purchased from the Crown by the Earl of Powis and remain privately owned and maintained by the family.