Castle Lodge, Ludlow

When planning a visit to Ludlow, the market town in Shropshire, that is close to the Welsh Border in what is known as the Welsh Marches, you are bound to make a bee-line for the top attractions such as  the thirteenth century castle, the wide range of “foodie” establishments, as well as nearby Stokesay Castle.

What might slip through your tourism net however, are the delights of Castle Lodge in Castle Square. It would be a shame if you visited Ludlow and didn’t find time to visit Castle Lodge, as it is an undoubted gem of the town.

It has Tudor and Elizabethan origins, dating from the early 13th century, and has some of the largest collection of oak panelling in England.  It was rebuilt in 1580, and during its Tudor history,  it was the home of Elizabeth I's Master of Requests, also having been used as a prison.

Castle Lodge, Ludlow

Castle Lodge along with the castle itself was the residence of  Catherine of Aragon  while she was married to Prince Arthur, the elder brother of Henry VIII.

It has been in private hands throughout its long history and was a hotel up until the Second World War.  The Lodge was finally re-opened to the public in 1999. It has been used as a film set, notably as the setting for the 1965 film version of Moll Flanders starring Richard Johnson and Kim Novak.

It is said to be haunted, as people visiting say the apparition of a 15 to 16 year old girl who appears to be wearing Tudor costume and who likes to walk the attic corridors as well as visit the nursery room.

The spirit is believed to be that of Catherine of Aragon who has returned to Castle Lodge where she was once happy.