In episode two of our series ‘Castles that Made Britain’, we join Matt Lewis at his favourite fortress in the whole of Britain, Ludlow Castle. Built as a frontier fortress, Ludlow stands proud on what was the harsh wild western frontier between England and Wales. One of the first to be rebuilt in stone in England, the castle showcases just what Norman power really looked like at the very fringes of its reach.

We’ll learn how the architectural and archaeological evidence reveals a medieval world in flux, balancing war with royal luxury. With expert help, Matt will investigate how stone walls were built, meeting Stonemason Ben as well as the link between the castle and the thriving community in the town. We’ll explore what a castle would have looked like in its medieval heyday and who would have lived there, from humble blacksmiths to royal residents. Matt will also discover how this castle rose to regional prominence and then played a pivotal role in defining one of history's most vicious wars, the War of the Roses.

And find out which famous dynasty cut their teeth inside the walls of Ludlow as it became a training ground for princes.

Thanks to everyone at Ludlow Castle https://www.ludlowcastle.com/ and McMillan Holder stonemasons: https://www.mcmillanholder.com/