Ludlow is a town rich in history. It’s the reason many people give for moving here, to lose themselves in the medieval streets and ancient buildings and to be inspired to write, craft, research or renovate, all along historic themes. Old photos and historic paintings illustrate that in many ways, the town centre structure has changed very little with its ancient grid system, over 420 listed buildings, the exquisite ruins of Ludlow Castle and the extraordinary treasures of St Laurence’s Church.
This summer, you too can get swept away in stories of yore with a fascinating programme of walks, talks and events to suit budding history enthusiasts of all tastes and ages.
Specialist Town Tours
13 June – 8 August
A new programme of specialist tours have been put together for the summer months by the Ludlow Historical Research Group. The first tour last week on ‘Industrial Ludlow’ was a sell out and those lucky enough to get a spot joined town guide, Mike Beazley, as he led them round the former industrial areas in the Lower Corve Street area of Ludlow. This was a part of town once busy with glovers, tanners, dyers, brickmakers, brewers, and maltsters and was also a significant religious site.
Upcoming tours include ‘Names, Words and Phrases in a Ludlow Setting’ guided by Phil Horsfall on 13 June; ‘Crimes and Misdemeanours’ exploring the dark side of Ludlow and guided by Kathy Cowell on 27 June; and an introduction to the great variety of stone used over the centuries in the construction of Ludlow’s properties in the tour, Building Stones of Ludlow guided by Michael Rosenbaum on 11 July.
And for those who really want to immerse themselves in the past there are two planned ‘in-character’ tours: the first with Cecily, Duchess of York, mother of King Edward IV and Richard III, whose grandsons became known as the Princes in the Tower, takes place on 25th July. On the second tour join Brother Michael, the Franciscan friar, uncovering Ludlow’s pre-Reformation religious sites on 8 August.
Ludlow Tour starts at the cannon outside Ludlow Castle. The cost is £5 per person and under 16s are free. Places can be reserved at the Visitor Information Centre in person, by phone on 01584 813705, or email tourism@ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk
Castle Bookshop talks
9 June – 15 September
Tucked behind Ludlow’s much loved bookshop is a secret garden, with covered seating, bubbling garden features and the buzzing of insects, it’s the perfect spot to leave the stresses of everyday behind and absorb yourself in history and intrigue. This summer, shop owner, Stanton, has put together an extensive calendar of talks by local and national authors with a strong leaning towards the history of Ludlow and the Marches.
Next Saturday, 10 June, the garden is holding an exhibition where you can ‘Come and Talk All Things Military History with Local Author and Historian Martin Hackett’. There’ll be a model of a local battle, medieval music, and a book signing. Later in the evening author, Alf Jenkins, talks the audience through his book ‘From the Carthorse to Concorde and Beyond’ about the people and places of the Welsh Marches Border Land with over 500 photographs and illustrations.
On 17 June 8,000-year-old storyteller Brother Bernard (aka Ludlovian author and comedian Jem Roberts) shares a whole host of tales local and national, the perfect kick-off to this year’s Ludlow Fringe theme of Myths and Legends.
Towards the end of summer, Philip Adams, author of ‘Crossing Borders’, explains the evolution of his writing on 8 September. His works ‘fill important gaps in our knowledge of several issues such as local history in south Wales, including opposition to war, transport and environmental matters, past and present’.
For a full programme of events throughout the summer, call in to the shop, visit their website or check our What’s On page. Tickets are available from Castle Bookshop Ludlow, 5 Castle St, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1AS (01584) 872562 or email castlebookshop@btconnect.com.
Henry VIII at Ludlow Castle
27-28 August
Henry VIII needs to find a wife and it could be you!
Seasoned performers, Past-Times Living History, promise to ‘entertain, enlighten, and engage’ you in these unique, fun and family-friendly factual shows in the grounds of Ludlow Castle. You can ask questions, even state your credentials as a possible bride and there will be lots of photo opportunities.
Tickets can be booked online and all the entertainment is included within your ticket price.
Stokesay Court and the Marches of Time
16-17 September
Enjoy a whole weekend of History in the grounds of two historic houses this September. The owners of two historic local gems, Stokesay Court and Pitchford Hall have joined together and invite you to an inaugural weekend of interesting and varied speakers with Marches connections giving a range of talks on different historical subjects over two days.
Renowned speakers include award winning and best selling archaeologist, historian and broadcaster, Dr Simon Elliott, speaking about Roman Britain and poet and novelist, Kate Innes whose book, ‘The Errant Hours’ was nominated as ‘Editor’s Choice’ by the Historical Novel Society.
The organisers are hoping to “grow things from modest beginnings into a regular annual history festival in The Marches, alternating each year between the venues”.
To book tickets and find out more, visit the Marches of Time website.
Useful contacts
Ludlow Historical Research Group
The Concise History of Ludlow by David Lloyd
The People and History of Lower Corve Street and St Mary’s Lane Ludlow (available from Castle Bookshop)ourt
