St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow

Situated atop a hill around which the medieval town of Ludlow developed, and in the shadow of the great Ludlow Castle, St Laurence’s Church was established as a place of worship in association with the founding of the town by the Normans in the late 11th century.

The church was expanded and rebuilt in the year 1199 to accommodate a growing town population. Then major building works occurred in the mid 15th century with a re-building of the nave, tower and parts of the chancel.

Notable features include an extensive set of 15th-century misericords in the choir stalls, and fine stained glass windows, some of which dates back to 1302.

Many kings and princes of Wales spent much of their upbringing in Ludlow. This is reflected by numerous heraldic royal coats of arms around the church, but most notably the heart of Prince Arthur (eldest son and heir to Henry VII and brother to Henry VIII) which is buried in the chancel.

St Laurence’s really is one of the most truly outstanding medieval town churches in England. It’s beautiful, grand, important, full of history, and a joy to explore.