1350. Exterior of St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map].

Between 1433 and 1471 the nave, tower and chancel at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map] were rebuilt. In 1833 the East window depicts the martyrdom of St Laurence underwent restoration.

1580. St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map]. Monument to Ambrosia Sidney. Her father's (age 51) arms top middle as follows: Sidney, Clunford, Barrington, Mercy, Mandeville Arms differenced with an escarbuncle, Chetwyn, Belhouse (the lions should be shown between three black cross-croslets), and Brandon Arms (the lion's crown should be per pale gules and Argent).

Bottom Left her father's arms impaled with 1 Dudley Arms 2 Unknown 3 Grey Arms 4 Talbot Arms 5 Beauchamp Arms 6 Neuborg Arms 7 Unknown 8 Unknown.

Bottom Right. As impaled Bottom Left; possibly some form of Duke of Northumberland.

The Sidney motto "quo fata vacant" ie "where destiny falls".

On the right are the arms of her uncle and godfather Ambrose Dudley, 3rd Earl of Warwick (age 50), from whom she derived her name.

On the left the arms of her mother, Mary Sidney née Dudley (age 50)

Ambrosia Sidney: Around 1565 she was born to Henry Sidney and Mary Dudley. She was named after her uncle Ambrose Dudley 3rd Earl Warwick. On 22 Feb 1574 Ambrosia Sidney died at Ludlow Castle where her father Henry Sidney was President of the Council of the Marches in Wales.

1581. Monument to Robert Townshend and his wife Alice Poppy at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map]. She wearing a Bongrace. He, unusually, with his head on a book. The inscription panel behind the tomb, cutting into older tracery, bears the date 1581; it seems likely that the tomb in its present state dates from that time, and was erected by his children, after the death of their mother in the 1570s. The figures of their twelve children, six sons in pairs on the front, six daughters in two groups of three at each end, all named, are set within a classical framework of round-headed arched divided by fluted Ionic columns. The tomb has been much repaired and repainted. The recess in which the tomb stands was originally the setting for the pre-Reformation Easter Sepulchre, a sacred location which became popular for personal tombs in the later middle ages. The decorative arch around the recess has hanging corbels, the eastern one carved with a pomegranate, emblem of Katharine of Aragon, suggesting the arch was part of a refurbishment of the church in the early 16th century, when Katharine, as the wife of Prince Arthur, was living in Ludlow.

Alice Poppy: she was born to Robert Poppy. Before 1534 Robert Townshend and she were married. Around 1575 she died.

After 19 Mar 1612. Jacobean Hooded Monument monument with a figure leaning on their elbow to Mary Dawnay Baroness Eure (deceased) at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map]. The monument is now in the south transept but was originally in a more prestigious position at the east end of the chancel, on the south side, opposite the Townshend tomb. It was moved when the chancel was restored by Scott in 1859-60. The figure of Lady Eure was originally painted: traces of black paint can still be seen in the folds of her elaborate dress. The inscription ... Here lyeth expecting a joyful resurrection the body of Dame Mary Eure late wife to the Right Ho Ralph Lord Eure (age 53) Baron of Malton, Lord President of the Principality and Marches of Wales and Leiutenant of the same and daughter of Sir John Dawney of Sessey in the County of York she departed this life the 19th day of March 1612 at the age of 55.

Mary Dawnay Baroness Eure: Around 1557 she was born to John Dawnay of Sessay, Yorkshire and Elizabeth Tunstall. In or before 1578 Ralph Eure 3rd Baron Eure and she were married. They were half fourth cousins. In 1594 William Eure 2nd Baron Eure died. In 1594 His son Ralph Eure 3rd Baron Eure succeeded 3rd Baron Eure. She by marriage Baroness Eure. On 19 Mar 1612 Mary Dawnay Baroness Eure died.

In 1616 the Reader's House was constructed next to St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map] by Thomas Kaye, Chaplain to the Council of the Marches on the site of a house built in 1320.

After 1625. Monument to Edmund Walter and his wife Mary Hakluyt at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map]. Their three sons and two daughters are shown kneeling, around the sides of the tomb chest. The figure in red judge's robes is the second son, John (age 59), who became a Chief Baron of the Exchequer in 1625, the same year that his older brother James died. The tomb was erected after 1625 as James's (deceased) will mentions his intention "…to have erected over my father some fitting remembrance or monument within the church where they lie buried … if the same be not performed in my lifetime the charge whereof I Ieave to my brother John (age 59)". The original railings include corner standards with the initials EW and MW on the iron pennants. Possibly a work of Cornelius Cure.

12 Jul 1626. John Ruth plumber appointed to keep the conduits…..the Bailiffs 'are desired to send for the church wardens to thend the sayd Ruth may have the glazing of the Church where the kinges service of the watch hath bin much neglected by the xii and xxv. It is at this day ordered that every one of the xii and xxv upon lawfull summons given shall appear in person and in person serve unlesse he be such as by lawe ought to be discharged and every one making default shall forfect xii to the use of the poore of this Towne.

Shops in Shambles to be let to Country butchers. If all shops not so let these be let to strangers. Otherwise to towne butchers. If Country butchers refuse to take leases then Mr Bailieffs to hang lockes upon the dores.

Ordered that Mr Baylieffs shall call before them the Surveyors of the high wayes and all that keepe carts within this Towne and to take such order with them for the amending of the streets within this towne as they in their discretions shall thinke good and to bind such as refuse to the next Quarter sessions.

Mr Baylieffs (calling unto them the Church Wardens and Sidemen of the parish) shall cause a sufficient grannt to be entred for the repayring of the chamber over the Church [Map] porch on the South side to be made a sufficient place for a librarie, according to the Lord Bishoppes (Hereford?) grannt and desire.

.... the Bucke given by Sir John Bridgman (age 89) Knight shall be eaten on the coste of the corporation so that the charges exceede not five markes.

Before 1635. Prie-Dieu monument to Edward Waties of Ludlow and his wife Martha Fox at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map]. The monument was erected by Edward in his seventieth year.

Martha Fox: she was born to Charles Fox of Bromfield and Isabella Newport. On 27 Feb 1593 Edward Waties of Ludlow and she were married. They had three sons and four daughters, of which two survived to adulthood. On 02 Oct 1629 she died.

After 10 Jan 1637. This little brass at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map] appears to be to Maria Fox daughter of Somerset Fox died 10 Jan 1637. Probably Somerset Fox of Gwernygo in Montgomeryshire.

After 05 Feb 1638 John Bridgeman was buried at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map]. The monument is most convincingly attributed to the workshop of the tomb maker Samuel Baldwin of Bristol although some source suggest Francesco Fanelli (age 48); the carving reflects the Italian-influenced innovations of London tombmakers: the figures have naturalistic features and there are skilfully carved drapery and garlands. The monument was commissioned by his wife Frances Daunt (age 60); Bridgeman's will entrusted her to create a monument as she thought fit.

Frances Daunt: Around 1578 she was born to Henry Daunt of Owlpen, Gloucestershire. Around 1595 John Bridgeman and she were married at Owlpen, Gloucestershire. The difference in their ages was 41 years. In Jan 1656 she died.

After 18 Feb 1646. Brass at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map] to Frances, the wife of Henry Mello [?] of Ludlow, who died on 18 Feb 1646 aged twenty-six.

After 15 Feb 1684 Edward Vaughan (age 49) was buried at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map]. His monument has an epitaph that reads ... Visitor, whoever you are, respect the glorious remains of the distinguished Edward Vaughan of Trawscoed, heir by descent of John Vaughan, famous knight, like his noble father in appearance. From boyhood to his dying day he devoted himself with enthusiasm to literature of all kinds and of every period; to render conspicuous service to prince and country; and he successfully achieved this aim and was welcome and popular everywhere and a most respected citizen in a turbulent era; that you may know that here is buried a man whom the ancients called a 'cubic' man (i.e. a man of great integrity) and also godlike. So great and of such character was he, that even his enemies wept, and his friends almost died with him, when the earth gladly and willingly received his body, and he departed to the realms of the blessed in the year of our Lord 1648 when he was 48 years old. To a husband and parent most dearly missed, his widow and children, grief-stricken, set up this mortal tomb. His own life is his immortal epitaph.

After 01 Dec 1703. Memorial to Alice Herbert (deceased) at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map].

Alice Herbert: Around 1647 she was born to Richard Herbert 2nd Baron Herbert Chirbury and Mary Egerton Baroness Herbert Chirbury. In or after 1676 John Burrard and she were married. She a great x 5 granddaughter of King Henry VII of England and Ireland. On 01 Dec 1703 Alice Herbert died.

After 20 Apr 1739. Monument to Richard Davies of Stanton Lacy (deceased) and Esther Edwardes at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map].

Richard Davies of Stanton Lacy: Around 1672 he was born. Before 20 Apr 1739 he and Esther Edwardes were married. His second wife. On 20 Apr 1739 he died.

Esther Edwardes: she was born to Francis Edwardes 2nd Baronet and Eleanor Warburton. Her father somewhat speculative. Her gravestone says daughter of Francis Edwardes Baronet but not which Baronet. Her future husband Richard Davies of Stanton Lacy was born in 1672. On 11 Jun 1755 Esther Edwardes died.

After 28 Nov 1748 Ann Sprott was buried at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map]. The inscription on her monument reads ... Beneath Lyeth Ann Relict of John Price DD He was of the Antient family of the Prices of Gogerthan in Cardiganshire by the Male side by the Female of the Antient and noble Line of the Agards of Forston in Darbyshire His Grand and Her great Grandmother were two of the Coheiresses of that Family she was his Wife 42 Years He departed May 11 1722 and lies buried at Westbury in Com Salop of which he was Rector She was 2d. Daughter of Henry Sprott Esqr. of Ashmore Brook in Com Stafford by Ann sole Daughter and Heiress of Tho Lokier of the Marsh in Com Salop Gent she dyed 28 Novembr. 1748 leaving no Issue Aged 91 She was a true Daughter and exact Observer of the Orthodox Doctrine of the Church of England which her Learned Husband with the utmost industry and Zeal studied and promoted Farewell Reader and like her revere the God that Judgeth right

The arms of Price and Sprott in the first and second quarters and unknown arms in the lower two.

Ann Sprott: Around 1631 she was born to Henry Sprott of Ashmore Brook in Staffordshire and Ann Lokier. Around 1680 Reverend John Price and she were married. On 28 Nov 1748 she died.

After 28 Apr 1760. Monument to Theophilus Salwey (deceased) at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map]. Designed by Robert Taylor (age 46), a prominent London architect of the time, in the Roccoco style, with much imagery reflective of the 'Age of Enlightenment'. The Salwey window, in memory of Theophilus Salwey and his sisters, Agnes, Mary and Katherine, shows an angel descending upon St Agnes along-side the martyrdom of St Stephen. The Salway arms can also be seen at the top of the window.

Theophilus Salwey: Around 1699 he was born to Edward Salwey of Stratford, Essex and Hannah Revell. Before 28 Apr 1760 he and Mary Dennet were married. There was no issue from the marriage. On 28 Apr 1760 he died.

After 1915. Memorial to Lieutenant John Harley (age 34) at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map].

Lieutenant John Harley: On 02 Jan 1880 he was born to John Harley of Beedlings, Pulborough at 39 Brook Street, Grosvenor Square. He was educated at Charterhouse and Trinity College, Oxford University where he was awarded Master of Arts. He was elected to the Society of Antiquaries of London. In 1914 Lieutenant John Harley joined the Artists' Rifles. He received his commission as Temporary Lieutenant in the 13th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, in Feb 1915. On 08 May 1915 he and May Winifred Sheppee were married. Two days later he sailed for Gallipoli. On 04 Jun 1915 he died during the Battle of Crithia at Kereve Dere, Gallipoli. The Officer Commanding the 1st Batallion, King's Own Scottish Borderers, forming part of the XXIXth Division to which he was attached, wrote "Your son was in command of the platoon in the right company of the first line to advance against the enemy's trenches, and I regret to say that after gallantly leading his men out of the trenches he was not able to live in the very heavy fire that was brought to bear upon the advancing troops. His body was buried, probably near where he fell.

After 17 Feb 1917. Memorial to Lieutenant-Colonel Robert James Francis Meyricke (deceased) and Major Rupert Chabbert Meyricke at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map].

Lieutenant-Colonel Robert James Francis Meyricke: On 03 Jan 1879 he was born to Robert Henry Meyricke and Katharine "Kate" Carswell Clerk at 7 Porchester Square, Bayswater. He was baptised on 17 Feb 1879 at On 17 Feb 1917 Lieutenant-Colonel Robert James Francis Meyricke was killed in action at the Battle of Boom Ravine near Miraumont whilst rallying his men. He was buried at the Aveluy Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. In 17 Feb 1917 he was appointed Lieutenant Colonal in the 11th Battalion Royal Fusiliers attached to the 6th Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment.

After 06 Aug 1927. Monument to Samuel Herbert Valentine (deceased) at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map].

Samuel Herbert Valentine: In 1857 he was born. In 1913 he was appointed Mayor of Ludlow, Shropshire which office he held until 1917. On 14 Aug 1914, Tuesday, the Town Crier of Ludlow Richard Morgan paraded the streets in full regalia calling upon our town's people to gather outside the Old Town Hall in Castle Square. The subsequent crowd of some three thousand listened on as the Mayor of Ludlow Councillor Samuel Valentine officially announced the declaration of war from the Town Hall's balcony. The 10.13am train the following day was packed with men heading off to the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry depot in Shrewsbury; the platform was crowded with mothers, wives and children waving farewell. On 06 Aug 1927 he died.

After 30 Apr 1936. Memorial to Alfred Edward Housman (deceased) whose ashes were scattered in the Churchyard of St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map].

Alfred Edward Housman: On 26 Mar 1859 he was born to Edward Housman and Sarah Jane Williams at Valley House, Fockbury. The eldest of seven children. On 26 Mar 1859 Alfred Edward Housman was baptised at Christ Church, Catshill. In 1877 Alfred Edward Housman won an open scholarship to St John's College, Oxford University, and went there to study classics. On 30 Apr 1936 he died.

After 24 Jan 1938. Memorial to Captain Adrian Jones in the Churchyard of St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map].

On 30 Jun 1958 Princess Margaret (age 27) unveiled a tablet to commemorate the restoration of St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map].

On 15 May 2001 Princess Anne Windsor (age 50) visited St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map] to celebrate 21 years of restoration work and to commemorate the 800th anniversary of its first rebuilding.

Princess Anne Windsor: On 15 Aug 1950 she was born to Philip Mountbatten Duke Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.

2010. Rectors of St Laurence's Church, Ludlow [Map].