This week, we interview Stanton Stephens of Castle Bookshop on Castle Street.
Born in 1963, Stanton went to Ludlow College then studied at De Monfort University in Leicester. He has worked at Castle Bookshop since 1989 and has been the proprietor since 1998.
What’s your connection to Ludlow?
- Are you an incomer (fell in love on a visit)
- Returner (grew up here, went away, glad to be back)
- Have never left the shire (why go anywhere else?)
I have lived in Ludlow most of my life apart from when I was at college in Leicester. I was not born in Ludlow but Shrewsbury but I don’t tell people this as they might hold it against me!
Finish the sentence: Living in and around Ludlow is the bees knees because…
I like the old fashioned feel of the town, the way the 21st century has failed to take a strangle-hold, the amount of high quality architecture from all periods and the lack of a ‘clone town’ street scape.
Prince Charles has placed signs at his Highgrove Home which claim, “You are entering an old fashioned establishment”. I wonder if we should put up something similar on the outskirts of Ludlow.
I also like the diverse nature of the people who live in Ludlow who come from a wide variety of backgrounds which contribute to distinctive nature of the town.
The bookshop stocks a number of books on local history
Tell us something about Ludlow that no one else knows.
We have a secret garden at the back of the bookshop which has been hidden away for over 30 years, but we have just recently opened it up.
Your favourite haunt and why?
Ludlow Assembly Rooms — I have always loved going to the cinema. I remember when Ludlow had two cinemas: the ‘flea pit’ Picture House, now the Assembly Rooms and the more upmarket Clifton Cinema. I look forward to the new catering arrangements opening at the venue which will form part of the proposed renovation. This will see the entrance moving back to the Castle Square side of the building.
What would your perfect day in Ludlow look like?
A successful day at the shop followed by having friends around for supper at my flat and ending up with a final call at my favourite watering hole, the Blue Boar.
A one-stop shop for orienteering, hiking and exploring the local countryside
Finally, your recommends: your top spot to eat, drink or visit in the area?
I like a day out in the Clun area. I think the Clun valley is amongst the most beautiful areas anywhere in the country. Very peaceful, with lovely rolling hills and scenery. Real Housman country.
Visit the Castle Bookshop at: http://www.castlebookshopludlow.co.uk/
The colourful Shopfront o The Castle Bookshop, 5 Castle Street, Ludlow