Richards Castle

Richards Castle is a small but historic village, positioned along and around the B4361, between the historic towns of Ludlow (4 miles) and Leominster (7 miles). It is split between the counties of Shropshire and Herefordshire.

The oldest part of the village is to be found up from the B4361 on Castle Road to the north-west.  Here you will find many beautiful black and white houses, and, as the road rises up the hill,  the old village green, where there were once medieval markets. Also sited here is the historic 12th century Grade 1 listed village church of St Bartholomew’s, now redundant and only used once a year.  It is a world heritage site and the old church contains the original box pews, and a large wooden screw in the side aisle put in to keep the walls standing and some medieval stained glass.

Behind the church on the hill are the ruins of Richards Castle itself.  This is a significant structure being one of the four earliest Norman castles in England. It was built 15 years before the Norman invasion in 1066 by the Norman knight Richard FitzScrob. It is really worth a visit; it has a wonderful view. 

The main church on the B4361 is All Saints. It has recently been awarded Festival status due to the declining congregation and the village is actively maintaining it for the benefit of the local area.  It is a Grade 1 listed building designed by Normal Shaw and again well worth a visit.

One of the principal attractions nearby is Mortimer Forest, an ancient hunting ground used by Henry VIII and now managed by the Forestry Commission. The area has numerous walking paths, with the 35 mile Mortimer trail running through the forest. It is used by hikers, horse riders and mountain bikers.