 Built on cliffs overlooking the River Teme, the
castle grew from modest beginnings into the most strategic fortification on the Welsh
borders.
Work began in
around 1085 by Roger de Lacy. In the 1130's a rival
claimant, Sir Joyce de Dinan, made improvements to the castle
and added the round chapel in the middle ward. After
20 years the Lacys recovered their property but the Lacy line
ended in 1240. 70 years later Roger Mortimer (responsible
for the murder of Edward II) realised the potential of the
castle.
The Mortimers built the impressive
buildings of the north front in the 14th century. When a member of the Mortimer
family was crowned Edward IV the castle became a royal property. The north-east
tower is named after the King's two sons who were murdered at the Tower of London.
The north-west tower commemorates Prince Arthur, older brother of Henry VIII, who died at
the castle.
From that period on
the castle was occupied by the Lord President of the Council
of Wales. The most famous holder of that title was Sir
Henry Sidney, favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, who built the
gatehouse to north in 1581, part of his extensive improvements
to the castle. The castle was relatively undamaged
during the Civil War but in 1651 the defences were deliberately
demolished.
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Ludlow
Castle
