LUDLOW LECTURES
History and Landscape of Ludlow and the Marches
The Ludlow Lectures are held in Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Market Square Ludlow SY8 1AZ.
Each lecture starts at 10.00am and finishes at 12.00, with a coffee break in the middle. (Coffee may be ordered before the lecture, at the Bar.)
The programme for Autumn 2026 is as follows:
Tuesday 20 October 2026
Stephanie Mocroft
Teme over Time
Worcestershire’s Teme valley drives a wedge between Shropshire and Herefordshire and enjoys a character all of its own. Local author Stephanie Mocroft will help us travel its paths, admire its understated landscape and take in some long-forgotten history gathered from local tales and oral history, including some rarely-seen Ludlow views lodged in archives outside our area.
Tuesday 27 October 2026
Mike Beazley
Ludlow People and the Civil War
The main battles of the 17th century Civil Wars took place well away from Ludlow, but local engagements were extremely important in the area. There were often dramatic outcomes for the people involved - well known local families like the Mores, Crofts, Harleys, Salweys and Myttons as well as notorious outsiders like Prince Rupert. Local history enthusiast Mike Beazley will tell the story of Ludlow’s Civil War through their eyes.
Tuesday 3 November 2026
Alison Utting
Katherine Plymley – A life on paper
Katherine Plymley (1758-1829) was a south Shropshire diarist whose journals contain fascinating accounts of her travels, connections with significant people of the day, and her close involvement with the Abolition movement. The first part of the talk will explore Alison’s research into her life and times. The second half will be performed in character, using the words of Katherine herself.
Tuesday 10 November 2026
Dr. Rory MacLellan
Crusading on the Home Front: The Knights Hospitaller in the March
Famous for fighting in the crusades, the warrior-monks of the Knights Hospitaller funded their wars with estates across Europe, including the March. Their strong presence in England led them to become important political players, serving and fighting for some kings, while plotting to murder others. Author of ‘Warrior Monks: Politics and Power in Medieval Britain’, Rory joins us from Royal Holloway University of London.
Tuesday 17 November 2026
Brian Anderson
Beasts, Allegories and Sinners
Looking at C12th churches in Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, we investigate Norman architecture and visual arts. This talk reveals narrative sculpture, ornate stonework and vivid wall paintings - a colourful and eclectic mix of designs, influenced from within the British Isles, Europe and further afield to the East. Photographer and lecturer, Brian is well known for his beautifully illustrated talks. We are in for a visual treat!
Tuesday 24 November 2026
David Arbuthnott
Mortimer Forest – Landscape and life
Chair of the Friends of Mortimer Forest, David Arbuthnott will entertain us with his passion for the wildlife and landscape within Mortimer Forest and the adjoining area. He will share the challenges some are facing and celebrating those which are doing well and how we and the Friends can help this unique landscape thrive.
(Because of illness, Keith Lilley's talk Revisiting Ludlow and other planned Norman ‘New Towns’ on Ludlow's medieval town plan is postponed to 2027)
(This is the ‘Year of the Normans’ and offers an opportunity to look again at our towns with Norman heritage. Ludlow is one of these places, and this talk will use mapping as a way to compare Ludlow’s early urban development with other Norman “new towns” in England, Wales and Ireland. Keith Lilley is one of the UK’s foremost thinkers on this subject.)
For further information please contact:
Amana Winchester
Telephone 07545 257 847
or
E-mail: AmanaWinchester@gmail.com
If you would like to attend these lectures:
1) Please pay £25 by BACS for all 6 lectures.
Sort code: 20-53-22 Account number: 63901157 Ludlow Lectures [this is a business account]
Please include your name as the reference so we know who has paid and email me (Amana) so I can look for your name on the bank statement.
2) Or let Amana have a cheque made payable to Ludlow Lectures - £25 per person.
3) Individual lectures are £5 per person and you are welcome to pay in cash on the door.