Today was our chance to see the town of Ludlow in detail; walk the streets in search of history, sights, talk, inspiration, instead of just food. We were also in need of an internet connection so we could update our blog, this search proved to be elusive as we spent an hour trying to get connected at the info center located in the old assembly halls.
The town was and is centered around the famous Ludlow Castle, of course. It was a primarily a center of power for the English kings as they were determined to control the incursions of the foreign, Celtic marauders from the nearby Wales. The castle was first finished by the de Lacy family in the year 1088 after the Norman conquest was established in England. The 'Welsh Marches' was the name given to the border region between England and Wales and was characterized by skirmishes and invasions on both sides, and Ludlow Castle became the center of control of the Welsh Marches for centuries. The name given to the controlling agency at Ludlow was the Council of Wales.
The heir to the throne after Henry VII was the first son Prince Arthur, but he suddenly died in Ludlow Castle at the age of 15 in the year 1502. This event put the second son of king Henry VII in line to the throne, and that son, also named Henry, eventually became the famous king Henry VIII. Prince Arthur’s heart was buried in the church at Ludlow, but his body was buried in Worcester.
Later, during the reign of Henry VIII, Mary Tudor, the daughter of Henry VIII stayed in the castle as the nominal head of the Council of Wales.
The weather today was wet and cold to start, and later sunny with showers and a strong wind. This kept us from trying a longer walk, but we walked around the town and around the castles, we also explored the interior of the St Laurence’s Church. This church had many things to see regarding the events of the history of the area.
The internet connection that we have wanted now for a few days eluded us today, but we finally found a place to sit and get connected, allowing us to check emails and update this blog.
After this welcomed connection, we walked back and caught a ride to our new home for the next 5 days: Bishop’s Castle.
She Said:
We have arrived at the very excellent Castle Hotel in Bishop's Castle. I am watching the Chelsea Garden Show on the BBC, enjoying the last of my good Robert Mondavi Chardonnay, so...
No writing up of the day's activity tonight. Just a lovely, relaxing evening, looking out at the amazing Shropshire countryside.
There's always tomorrow for catching up.
Around Ludlow
St Laurence's Church
Ludlow after the sun came out
A walk around the castle
Inside Ludlow Castle
The view from the high tower
and then we traveled to our new room in Bishop's Castle, Shropshire, getting a thumbs up from you know who...
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