Ludlow
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For alternative uses of "Ludlow" see Ludlow (disambiguation).
| Ludlow | ||
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| Statistics | ||
| Population: | 9,850 | |
| Ordnance Survey | ||
| OS grid reference: | SO517750 | |
| Administration | ||
| District: | South Shropshire | |
| Shire county: | Shropshire | |
| Region: | West Midlands | |
| Constituent country: | England | |
| Sovereign state: | United Kingdom | |
| Other | ||
| Ceremonial county: | Shropshire | |
| Historic county: | Shropshire | |
| Services | ||
| Police force: | West Mercia | |
| Fire and rescue: | {{{Fire}}} | |
| Ambulance: | West Midlands | |
| Post office and telephone | ||
| Post town: | LUDLOW | |
| Postal district: | SY8 | |
| Dialling code: | 01584 | |
| Politics | ||
| UK Parliament: | Ludlow | |
| European Parliament: | West Midlands | |
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Ludlow is a town in Shropshire, situated almost on the border between England and Wales. It lies within the bend of the River Teme, forming an area of 350 acres (1.4 km²) about a small hill. The crest of this rise formed the site of the castle and market place of the original town, and from there the streets sloped downward to the Teme, or northward toward the Corve tributary. Intimately associated with founding of the town is the extant St Laurence Church.
Ludlow contains some fine examples of black and white timbered buildings including the Feathers Hotel (pictured), and has featured in movies and TV programmes including Tom Sharpe's Blott on the Landscape. Its parish church is the largest in the county.
In recent years Ludlow has become an unlikely gastronomic centre. At one point it was the only rural town in England with three Michelin starred restaurants and also has an annual food festival. Ludlow is the first UK member of Cittaslow, the slow town movement related to the Slow Food movement, and has been charged with setting up the UK Cittaslow network.
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[edit] History
The town is also very close to the border between Shropshire and Herefordshire, and was included in the latter in the Domesday Book. As a result of this location, it became important in medieval times and its large castle remains largely intact. Ludlow Castle was the seat of the Council of Wales and the Marches and a temporary home to several holders of the title Prince of Wales, notably Arthur Tudor, who died there in 1502. The town is now the headquarters of the South Shropshire district.
When the Domesday Book survey was performed subsequent to the Norman Conquest, this site was home to the unoccupied large Stanton Manor. Possession of this structure was granted to William the Conqueror's henchman Walter Lacy. Walter's son Roger Lacy, began the construction of a castle on the crest of the hill between about 1086 and 1094, forming what is now the inner bailey. Between c. 1090 and 1120, the Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene was built inside the walls, and by 1130 the Great Tower was added to form the gatehouse. The castle formed an important border fortification along the Marches of Wales, and played a significant role in local conflicts.
Records show that the name 'Lodelowe' was in use for this site by the year 1138. At the time this section of the Teme river contained rapids, and so the hlud of Ludlow came from 'the loud waters', while hlaw meant hill. Thus Ludlow meant a place on a hill by a loud river. Some time around the 12th century weirs were added along the river, taming these rapid flows. Later in the same century the larger outer bailey was added to the castle.
About this time the locale began to form a town, part of a deliberate policy of pacification by the Normans. The community also provided a useful source of income for the lords, based on rents, fines, and tolls. The town layout was deliberately planned, so the streets formed a regular grid, although they were adapted somewhat to match the local geography. The first road was most likely High Street, which formed the wide market place to the east of the castle. The town continued to grow, joining an old north-south road, now called Corve Street to the north and Old Street to the south. Mill Street and Broad Street were added later.
The growth of the town by settlement from the surrounding lands resulted in the repair and expansion of the parish church. The town continued to prosper, and reached a steady population of about 2,000 for several centuries thereafter. It became a significant market center for the area, and market day was held on every Thursday up through the 15th century. The town was licensed to build a wall in 1233, and this was constructed about the central part of the community with four main gates and three postern gates.
The castle complex continued to expand, adding a Great Hall, kitchen, and living quarters. The castle gained a reputation as a fortified palace, and in 1306 it was acquired through marriage by the ambitious Roger Mortimer, 1st Baron Wigmore. Queen Isabella and her son, the young Edward III, were entertained at the castle in 1328.
During the Middle Ages the town served as a retail center for the sale of wool and cloth. It was also home to various trades, and by 1372 it was known to have had 12 trade guilds. These included metal workers, shoemakers, butchers, drapers, mercers, tailors, cooks, and bakers. There were also merchants of moderate wealth in the town. But the collection and sale of wool and the manufacture of cloth continued to be the primary trades up until the 17th century. Flocks of sheep in nearby Wales provided the raw materials for this business.
Some of this prosperity is visible in St.Laurence's parish church. The largest in Shropshire, despite the presence of much Decorated work the overall architectural impression is Perpendicular.
The town also contained several pubs and ale-houses, leading to court records of some alcohol-induced violence and a certain reputation for excess. Several inns were constructed to accommodate travellers. (The oldest surviving inn today is the Bull Hotel, dating from the 15th century.)
During the War of the Roses, Richard, Duke of York, gained ownership of the castle and turned it into one of his main strongholds. The Lancaster forces captured Ludlow in 1459, but at the end of the conflict in 1461 the castle became property of the Crown and Richard's son, Edward IV. The town was then incorporated as a borough.
Under Henry VII the castle became the headquarters of the Council of the Marches of Wales, and served as the administration center for Wales and the counties along the border. During this period, when the town served as a virtual capital of Wales, it was home to many messengers of the king, various clerks, and lawyers for settling disputes. The town also provided a winter home for local gentry, during which time they attended the Council court sessions.
Starting in 1610 the cloth industry began to decline in Ludlow. The town economy continued unaffected until about 1640, when the activities of the Council were suspended for a time. This brought about a 20% reduction in the town population, and accompanying economic difficulties.
Except for brief interludes, Ludlow continued to host the Council until 1689 when it was abolished by William and Mary. The castle then began a lengthy period of decay. The structure was poorly maintained and the castle suffered from some pillaging. In 1772 some consideration was given to demolition, but it was instead decided to lease the buildings. Later it was purchased by the Earl of Powis, and he and his wife turned the castle grounds into a tourist attraction.
Starting around 1760 the town population began to undergo a significant expansion. New structures were built along the outskirts that would become slums in the 19th century, later to be torn down.
In 1832 a doctor from Ludlow began studying the rock deposits to the west of the town. The bottom layer of the rocks forming the four divisions of the Silurian period became identified as the Ludlow Bone Bed. This was a thin layer of dark sand containing numerous remains of early fish.
By the 20th century the town saw a growth of tourism, leading to the appearance of many antique dealers, as well as art dealers and bookshops. Many of the traditional shops were acquired by retail chains, but Bodenhams survives and is one of the oldest shops in the country - it celebrated its 600th anniversary in 2005.
In 2004 the council was granted funding from Advantage West Midlands to build a new Eco-Park on the outskirts of the town with space for new 'environmentally friendly' office buildings and a park and ride facility.
More construction work began in 2006 on the same section of by-pass by Bennet's Development company on a much debated piece of land known as The Foldgate. The land has now been drawn up for commercial use with a petrol filling station, hotel and pub currently being erected. The previous plans to include a number of 'high-street' stores was thrown out when an independent official branded it 'damaging' and 'out-of-place' with the character of the town.
[edit] The Pubs Of Ludlow
The town has many excellent pubs and bars with some offering live entertainment and others serving food for lunch and dinner. Pubs in Ludlow include: Blue Boar, George, Charlton Arms, Wheatsheaf, Queen, Unicorn, Bridge, Compasses, Horse and Jockey, Bullring, Bull Tavern, New Rose and Crown, Globe, Cliffe Hotel, Feathers and the Nelson Inn. A new pub/restaurant is currently being built up on the new Foldgate Retail Development on the edge of Ludlow.
[edit] Transport and communications
In 1979 a modern by-pass was built to the east of the town, diverting the A49. This allowed the heavy lorry traffic to avoid the town centre, significantly reducing the noise level. The town centre was built for the era of the horse and cart and there are long running problems with motor traffic and car parking. A number of proposals have been offered to remedy these problems.
Ludlow railway station is located about five minutes walk from the town centre.
The new Ludlow Eco-Park situated on the outskirt of the town, along the A49, includes a new Park & Ride facility for workers and shoppers, with a frequent, low-cost, bus service into the town centre
[edit] Population
The census of 2001 recorded 9,548 people living in Ludlow parish. A further 395 live in neighbouring Ludford parish.
- 1377 — 1,172
- 1801 — 3,897
- 1901 — 4,552
- 1971 — 7,470
- 1987 — 7,450
- 2005 — 10,500
[edit] Famous People
- Charles Badham
- The poet Alfred Edward Housman is buried in St. Laurence's Church churchyard.
- John Marston the founder of the Sunbeam company, was born near the town in 1836.
- Pictorialist photographer Henry Peach Robinson was born in the town.
- Baron Rees of Ludlow
- Hollie Robertson, winner of the BBC's Strictly Dance Fever in 2006
[edit] Culture
The Ludlow Festival has been held annually since 1960 during the end of June and the start of July. The open area within the castle serves as the stage for Shakespearean plays, while a number of supporting events include concerts, musicians, and entertainers.
The annual Ludlow Marches Festival of Food and Drink takes place in September. Centered on Ludlow Castle where over 150 small food producers showcase and sell their wares, the three-day event involves the whole town in food and drink trails.
The Medieval festival is another annual event in Ludlow taking place during November again centred on Ludlow castle and the market square. This event is held over a whole weekend with activities and craft stalls being held in the castle. During saturday evening the castle is lit up by torches and given a real medieval feel with costumed stall holders and 'have-a-go' archery.
[edit] External links
- Shropshire TourismThe official tourism website for Shropshire
- Ludlow tourist information
- Ludlow castle
- Ludlow racecourse
- Ludlow assembly rooms
- Ludlow Advertiser Local Ludlow weekly newspaper
- Ludlow Dairies
- Ludlow food festival
- UK Cittaslow Website
- St. Laurence's Church
Ceremonial county of Shropshire  |
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| Unitary authorities: | Telford and Wrekin | |
| Boroughs/Districts: | Bridgnorth • North Shropshire • Oswestry • Shrewsbury and Atcham • South Shropshire | |
| Cities/Towns: | Bishop's Castle • Bridgnorth • Broseley • Church Stretton • Cleobury Mortimer • Clun • Craven Arms • Dawley • Ellesmere • Ludlow • Madeley • Market Drayton • Much Wenlock • Newport • Oakengates • Oswestry • Shifnal • Shrewsbury • Telford • Wellington • Wem • Whitchurch See also: List of civil parishes in Shropshire |
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