About Ludlow Castle
About Ludlow Castle
1066 - Beginnings
Walter de Lacy, a trusted member of William the Conqueror’s household, arrived in England in 1066. His lord, William fitzOsbern, was granted an Earldom over Hereford’s lands and secured his position by developing a series of castles along the English-Welsh border.
Walter de Lacy was granted Stanton, the site of modern-day Ludlow. His sons, Roger and Hugh, constructed the earliest surviving parts of Ludlow Castle, which the de Lacy family retained until the late 13th century.
1473 - Royal Connections
From 1473 to 1483, Ludlow Castle was home to Prince Edward, one of the famed 'Princes in the Tower.' He was residing at Ludlow when he learned of his father Edward IV's death and became King Edward V.
Prince Arthur, eldest son of Henry VII, also lived at Ludlow briefly with his wife Catherine of Aragon before passing away in 1502. Catherine later married his brother, Henry VIII, and their daughter, Mary, spent several winters at the castle.
Council of the Marches
Edward IV established the Council of the Marches at Ludlow Castle in 1473 to govern Wales and the border counties. For over a century, Ludlow was regarded as the capital of Wales, hearing various legal cases.
Although primarily an administrative center, Ludlow Castle evolved to have many features of an Elizabethan stately home before the Council was dissolved in 1641.
1642 - The Civil War
During the English Civil War, Ludlow Castle was a Royalist stronghold. In 1646, Parliamentary forces besieged the town, and the castle surrendered after negotiations.
Following the dissolution of the Council of the Marches in 1689, the castle was abandoned and eventually became a ruin.
1760 - The Powis Estate
By the 1760s, the government considered demolishing the castle, but due to costs, it was leased to the Earl of Powis in 1771. The castle became a popular destination during the Picturesque tourism movement.
In 1811, the Earl of Powis officially purchased the castle, and it remains under the stewardship of the Powis Castle Estate.
1900 - Castle House Renovations
The Trustees of Ludlow Castle have worked to preserve its structures and improve the visitor experience. Castle House, which appears Victorian, holds a Tudor tennis court and was once the site of the Castle Inn.
After reacquiring Castle House in 2005, the Trustees renovated the building, winning the RICS Building Conservation Project of the Year award. The castle now offers holiday apartments, a function room, a café, and a gallery.
Recent Archaeology & Restoration
Archaeologist Leon Bracelin conducts castle tours during the summer months, uncovering links between the castle and surrounding homes.
In 2019, the Norman Chapel of St Mary Magdalene was restored and re-roofed, ensuring its longevity for future generations. The project was completed in collaboration with English Heritage.
Find Us
Castle Square,
Ludlow,
Shropshire,
SY8 1AY
Ludlow Castle is part of Powis Estates
Contact Details
Tel:
01584 873355
Email:
info@ludlowcastle.com
Castle Office
Tel:
01584 874465
Email:
info@ludlowcastle.com