Ludlow

If you were to google “loveliest towns in England”, Ludlow will appear on almost every list. This lovely town, close to the Welsh border, was a medieval market town, a tradition which continues to this day. Markets occupy the same area where traders have sold their goods for hundreds of years, with a backdrop of buildings that would largely be recognisable to those ancient merchants.

This trading continues, as it has since early Norman times, in the shadow of Ludlow Castle, once a royal residence. Perhaps the most famous, and tragic, occupiers of the castle were young Prince Arthur, and his bride Katherine of Aragon. It was while in residence at Ludlow that Arthur became ill and died. His heart is interred in the local church to this day. And of course Katherine eventually married Arthur’s brother Henry VIII.

We spent a very pleasant day exploring the streets and markets of this picturesque town. The weather was quite warm and sunny, and the one short shower of rain provided the dividend of a perfect rainbow.