LUDLOW, municipal borough, Shropshire, England, on the river Teme below its confluence with the Corve, near the Here ford border. Pop. (1931) On the peninsula the Castle, founded late in the iith century by Roger de Lacy, occupies a commanding position. Interesting features are the late Norman circular chapel, the Decorated Gothic state rooms and details of Perpendicular and Tudor styles.
Ludlow is supposed to have existed under the name of Dinan in pre-Saxon days. Eyton identifies it with one of the "Ludes" mentioned in the Domesday Survey. Its position on the Welsh border, particularly in relation to routes north and south and into Wales past Bishop's Castle (q.v.) ensured it an important place in the military and commercial life of the middle ages. Ludlow was a borough by prescription in the 13th century, but the bur gesses owe most of their privileges to their allegiance to the house of York. Of the confirmation of early charters the last, dated 1665, continued in force until the Municipal Corporations Act of 1835. The market rights are claimed by the corporation under the charters of Edward IV. (1461) and Edward VI. (1552). The
Council of the Marches, established by the first of these mon archs, held its Court at Ludlow from the reign of Henry VII. onwards until 1689.
Of the town walls one gateway and a part abutting on the Castle remain. Thanks to its strong position, Ludlow was the last Shropshire fortress to yield to the parliamentary forces in 1646. The town has many beautiful half-timbered buildings among which the "Feathers" and "Angel" hotels, the Reader's House and the Castle Lodge are prominent. The parish church of St. Law rence is of great size with a lofty central tower and a fine east window with 15th century glass. Ludlow was once a rival to Shrewsbury in the dressing and sale of cloth, and as a market for Welsh woollen fabrics. It was also famous for its smiths' work. It is a market for Hereford cattle but there are few industries except those connected with agriculture and the sale of "dhu (black) stone" from the Clee Hills.
See Victoria County History, Shropshire; Thomas Wright, The His tory of Ludlow and its Neighbourhood (1826) .