April 14, 2018    Ludlow, England

Our first adventure was the nearby town of Ludlow.  Ludlow's recorded history begins in 1086 when the impressive castle was first developed, as one of a line of castles along the Welsh Marches (or boarders) to defend the border and subdue the local Anglo Saxon population.

Henry VII's eldest son Prince Arthur brought his new bride Catherine of Aragon to Ludlow for their honeymoon in 1501.  Arthur died six months later.

During the late 15th century, Ludlow Castle was the home of Prince Edward and his younger brother Prince Richard, known as "the little princes in the Tower".  Their father, King Edward IV (from the house of York), decided they should live in the castle hoping that their presence would help to quell any problems along the Welsh border.  Following King Edward's death in 1483, they were imprisoned in the Tower of London and murdered, their uncle then became King Richard III (from the house of Lancaster, War of the Roses stuff).

The outer bailey.  During the 15th century, the outer bailey was where mock battles and tournaments would have been held.  If the castle was under siege, the townspeople camped (with their livestock and possessions) here until it was safe to return to their homes.

View from above the outer bailey.

To enter the inner bailey, you cross the moat.  The moat has always been dry, filled with brambles, thorny bushes and very sharp stakes, making it difficult for any enemies to cross.  The original bridge would have been wooden and a stone bridge with a high parapet replaced it in the Tudor period.

The Judges' Lodgings.  In 1581 the judges and court officials of the Council of the Marches used these apartments.  The castle steward would have lived in the rooms above the gateway.

Looking down into the inner bailey.

Showing the view from the top of the castle.

Looking down into the outer bailey.

Another look down into the outer bailey.

View from the top.

Video of the view:   https://youtu.be/r1k_7ND4nH8

The family in their "epic" pose inside the Chapel.  Built in the 1100's the unusual round nave is all that remains of the Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene.  

Heading into the Great Hall.  

The Great Hall would have been used to house splendid banquets, dances and masques.  Prince Arthur and Catherine of Aragon would surly have been in this room on their honeymoon visit.

Collin in the Great Hall.

The Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene.

I love the way these old windows make the perfect picture frame!  

Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli

Standing in the inner bailey looking towards the gate to the outer bailey.

Paul impersonating Samson of the Bible.

A fair maiden swooning over her brave warrior.

After the castle, we had lunch and looked at St. Lawrence Church.  St. Lawrence Church was built by the Normans in the late 11th century. 

Ludlow

Rod's lunch.  Sausage and potatoes.

My lunch.  Chicken pot pie with gravy.

Ludlow

Entrance to St. Laurence Church

Sanctuary of St. Laurence's

St. Laurence's

St. Laurence's

This plaque was in the floor of the church near the front.

Looking toward the sanctuary..

A Ludlow street.

A beautiful town with lots of history.  We enjoyed it a great deal!