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10 Interesting Facts About Ludlow – You NEED to Know!

Ludlow, England, is a beautiful and very interesting town located close to the Welsh border. If you’re visiting Ludlow and want to gain a better understanding of the historic town, then carry on reading to find out all about these 10 interesting facts about Ludlow!

Why Visit Ludlow?

facts about Ludlow

Why visit Ludlow? Ludlow, England, is an ideal destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in rich heritage and culture. This beautiful town is nestled in the English region of Shropshire and is famed for its cobbled streets, castles, and cultural sites.

Ludlow is the perfect destination for visitors looking to explore the area’s medieval architecture, including its famous castle, which dates back to the 11th century. Visitors can also take a step back in time at the Ludlow Museum and explore its collection of artefacts from Roman times.

Ludlow is also home to excellent shopping and dining, with an array of independent eateries and artisan stores selling unique finds.

There are also plenty of outdoor activities available to enjoy, including walking trails, hilltops offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, and opportunities for canoeing and cycling.

Ludlow is the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway, with its quaint charm and abundance of historical and cultural sights.

What is Ludlow best known for?

facts about Ludlow

What is Ludlow best known for? Ludlow is best known for its castle due to its long and prosperous history. The town of Ludlow is situated on the River Teme and is an important centre of the Welsh Marches, known for its Norman castle.

The town of Ludlow was founded in 1086 under the orders of King William I, as part of the Norman conquest of England. This castle, known as Ludlow Castle, was built by the Norman Earl of Shrewsbury and soon became a major fortification for the border region between Wales and England.

For hundreds of years, Ludlow Castle was an important administrative centre for Royal courts and a major military and administrative complex during medieval times.

In 1187, Ludlow Castle became a key part of the Treaty of Windsor, which reunited the Welsh and English people and imposed restrictions upon the former Welsh rulers.

During the Wars of the Roses, it also served as a prison and subsequently as a luxurious noble residence for the lords of Nancy and Charles, the fifth and sixth Earls of Shrewsbury, respectively.

Today, Ludlow Castle is considered an iconic landmark for the region. It was substantially damaged during the English Civil War, but it’s open for the public to explore. Recently, it has also become a popular filming location for television and movies.

Ludlow Castle has been a significant site in British history, and has contributed to the course of Ludlow’s heritage and culture. Its ongoing appeal speaks to the legacy of this powerful castle and of royal power in the region.

Related Post: 8 Don’ts of Wales – Things You Should NEVER Do in Wales!

10 Interesting facts about Ludlow:

If you’re curious to find out more about Ludlow, then check out these 10 interesting facts about Ludlow that you may or may not have known before:

English countryside

  • Ludlow Castle is recognised as a Scheduled Monument, meaning that it is protected as a part of England’s national heritage. The castle is thousands of years old and has survived a lot of wars and conflicts – but it’s still in very good shape!
  • Apart from its beautiful castle, Ludlow is also renowned for its annual food festival and attracts music and theatre performances throughout the year. Some of the famous festivals held in Ludlow and in the nearby area include: Ludlow Fringe Festival, Ludlow Spring Festival and Green Man Festival.
  • There are over 500 listed buildings in Ludlow – which is a huge amount, especially considering that Ludlow is only considered to be a town!
  • In 2021, the population of Ludlow was around 10,000! Therefore, if you’re visiting, then you’ll be sure to feel like a part of a community.
  • There are plenty of fantastic places to eat in Ludlow, with something to suit anyone’s tastes. In fact, Ludlow used to be the only town in England that was home to not one, not two – but three Michelin-star restaurants! Sadly, there are no Michelin-star restaurants open in Ludlow anymore, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good place to eat – you’ll be spoilt for choice.
  • Ludlow is mentioned in the world-famous play by Shakespeare – Richard III. It’s the location of where Edward V is to be taken as Richard III is making plans to get the crown. This is one of the best facts about Ludlow to know if you’re a Shakespeare lover!
  • If you want to purchase some tasty, fresh produce, then you’ll be pleased to know that Ludlow has its very own market four times a week. There’s a market held on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
  • Ludlow Castle was actually abandoned in 1689, which led to people looting the belongings left inside and led to the castle deteriorating over time. Fortunately, it was leased to the Earl of Powis in 1771 as the council found that demolishing the castle would’ve been too expensive.
  • John Challis, from Only Fools and Horses, lived near Ludlow before his death in 2021.
  • If you’re into history, then you’ll be pleased to find out that one of the best facts about Ludlow is that you can still see its historic town walls. The Ludlow town walls were constructed in 1233 and are still standing today. There are seven gates to spot in total – can you find them all?

Ludlow FAQ:

Is Ludlow in England or Wales?

Ludlow is located in England, although it is located around 14 miles from the Welsh border. Ludlow did used to be in Wales in the past, however.

Is Ludlow worth a visit?

If you’re into history and want to visit somewhere beautiful and fairly quiet, then Ludlow is absolutely worth a visit. It’s a great place to visit if you want to enjoy a traditional British town experience.

How long is the walk around Ludlow Castle?

The walk around Ludlow Castle is around 2.3 km long, which takes about 38 minutes in total – making it perfect for an afternoon stroll.


10 Interesting facts about ludlow – Conclusion

Hopefully, after reading this post, you’ve learned some interesting facts about Ludlow that you may not have known before. Which facts about Ludlow surprised you the most? Are there any facts about Ludlow that you find interesting but weren’t mentioned? If you ever need any help or advice, then feel free to reach out and contact me. If you liked this post and would like to read some more similar posts, then these are what I’d recommend the most:

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