Ludlow Castle - Architecture

Architecture

Ludlow Castle sits on a rock promontory with the town lying on lower ground to the east. The ground slopes steeply from the castle to the rivers Corve and Teme to the south and west about 100 feet (30 m) below. The castle is broadly rectuangular and divided into two main parts: an inner bailey which occupies the northwest corner and a much larger outer bailey. A third enclosure, known as the inmost bailey, was created in the early 13th century when walls (which no longer survive) were built enclosing the southern corner of the inner ward. The castle's long history is reflected in its varied architecture; comprising Norman, Medieval and Tudor styles.

The inner bailey represents the extent of the Norman castle. When Ludlow Castle was founded a ditch was cut into the promontory and the rock excavated was used in construction. It was entered through a gatehouse, which may date from the 1080s, in the southern wall. It seems likely from its design that the gatehouse was meant to be used as accommodation, specifically the room above the gate passage. The archway was later blocked and the gatehouse converted into a keep. The creation of the inmost bailey in the 13th century meant the gatehouse no longer gave access to the whole enclosure. To address this another gateway was added immediately east of the keep. The inner bailey contains the residential buildings that formed the castle's principal accommodation. These buildings feature large windows that overlook the courtyard.

The circular chapel in the inner ward is very unusual, perhaps unique in Britain. An example of Romanesque architecture and dedicated to St Mary Magdalene, the chapel has been dated to the 12th century based on its style. Little is known of the structure until the 16th century because it is almost undocumented, but it seems to have survived up to that point mostly intact. Though the roof no longer survives, the circular nave survives to its full height and is 8.3 metres (27 ft) wide. A square presbytery, 3.8 by 3.8 metres (12 by 12 ft) was attached, and beyond that a chancel.