William
the Conqueror had subdued England, but the Welsh remained unconquered
and a threat to peace and security. He entrusted the guardian-ship
of this part of the English border to Walter de Lacy.
In about 1090, Roger de Lacy, Walter's son, saw the need to
build a castle and selected the most easily defensible site
on his lands. A cliff which dropped away steeply on three sides
to the river Teme on the south and west and the river Corve
to the north. In time the castle at Ludlow became truly splendid,
and the town which grew to serve it florished. What we see today
is probably the finest unspoilt market town in England. |
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(Above
left)
Viewed from Whitcliffe,which offers a panoramic view, the
castle mellows in the evening light of summer. In late June
the walls echo the words of Shakespeare during the annual
Ludlow Festival, which attracts an international following.
(Above right)
14th Century Ludford Bridge, under which
the Teme surges at the gorges narrowest point. Sir Job Charlton,
Speaker of the House of Commons, died in 1697 and is honoured
by a coloured tomb in Ludfords Norman Church just over the
bridge. |
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