Ludlow is best known as a gorgeous town that has an iconic 11th century castle which visitors from all over the country flock to visit.
These 17 historic photos showcase Ludlow’s evolution and offer a glimpse into Ludlow’s past through the decades.
Ludlow is frequently dubbed "probably the loveliest town in England". It is a stunning medieval and Georgian market town famous for its castle and hundreds of listed buildings, it perfectly blends history with an acclaimed food scene.
Famous faces associated with Ludlow include, Alistair McGowan, Nick Wheeler and Henry Peach Robinson.
Though, the most famous face is perhaps Arthur Tudor, the Prince of Wales.
We thought we’d walk down memory lane and appreciate the town’s storied history.
Here are 17 old photographs that capture the Ludlow’s spirit:
9. Old coaching poster: 1969
The caption pasted on the back of this picture reads: 'Mr Ernest Pee, of Ludlow Road, Bridgnorth, with an old coaching poster, entrusted to him by Mrs A. Oliver, of Danesford, Bridgnorth. It advertises a new link coach run on the express line to London, down Watling Street in 1836. Mrs Oliver's husband was a licensee at the Bell Inn, where the coaches used to stop.' The date written on the back of the print is 23/4/69, i.e. April 23, 1969, and the date by the caption is 24.4.69, i.e. April 24, 1969, which will be publication date. | Local Library
10. Miss Shropshire: October 1970
This picture was published on October 9, 1970, and the caption read: 'Miss Shropshire, 1970, was chosen on Friday at the Lord Hill, Shrewsbury, when from 19 contestants the judges decided Pat Mason of Ludlow should wear the crown for this year... Judges were Billy Wright, Carol Wainwright, and Keith Ackerill. Pictured is the full line-up of contestants in a photograph by Brian Bould. They are, back row left to right, Sandra Ibbotson, Elizabeth Jackson, Diane Trotman, Sheila Jones, Pat Mason, Jo Webster, Joan Poole, Joyce Spence, Jenny Taylor, Carol James and Heather Wilson. Seated, Lillian Hill, Carol Booth, Margaret Arnold, Connie Birch, Lorraine Dodsworth and Denise Humphries. Front, Susan Jervis and Jeanette Williamson.' | Local Library
11. World champion turkey produced by Dale Turkeys in Ludlow: December 1975
South Shropshire’s very own heavyweight champion turkey, “Mr Chukie”, pictured in London in December 1975 after smashing the British and world record at an incredible 71lb 12oz. Raised by Dale Turkeys at Caynham near Ludlow, the giant bird earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records and was later sold for charity for £500. The photo comes from the archive of Charlie Wood, founding chairman of Midland Poultry Holdings in Craven Arms. | Picture courtesy of Mr J Patrick Wood
12. Two future royals: 1980
Two royal brides-to-be at Ludlow races in 1980 - although at the time nobody knew that | Local Library