Ludlow in Shropshire is a charming market town, perched high on a hill above the River Teme, near the Welsh border. Town life has centred on the market in Castle Square since the 12th century, these days the market is open on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, with frequent Wednesday markets throughout the year.
The Norman’s realised the strategic importance of this settlement in the Welsh Marches, or borders as they are now known, and got to work on Ludlow Castle in the late 11th century. The castle was never attacked during the border strife probably because it was one of the strongest in the chain built to defend England against independent Wales.
Ludlow Castle has been at the centre of key historical events; Edward V spent most of his childhood with his brother the Duke of York at Ludlow and they were there when they learned of their father’s death. Shortly afterwards they were sent to their deaths in the Tower of London. It was here that Prince Arthur, elder brother of Henry VIII, died and changed the course of English accession. These days the castle is the superb backdrop to the annual Festival, which features outdoor performances of Shakespearean works.
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