Founded in the 12th century and known as ‘the Cathedral of the Marches’, Ludlow’s magnificent parish church is one of only 18 given a Five Star rating by Simon Jenkins in his book, “England’s Thousand Best Churches”.

“Ludlow is an architectural gem, and its parish church of St Laurence’s is the jewel in the crown”, explained Trust Chairman, Bill Lloyd-Kitchen. “We are planning The Ludlow Conservation Weekend to raise money towards the cost of restoring the stonework and many monuments in St Laurence’s and to celebrate the outstanding architecture and history of our beautiful town and church”.

Stone masons working on ancient buildings and cathedrals throughout the UK and Europe will be coming to Ludlow to take part in the Stone Carving Festival. Visitors will be able to watch them at work, ‘have a go’ themselves, and bid for their completed carvings at an auction on Sunday afternoon.

The Weekend programme includes a flower festival, a bridal display, and the opportunity to buy medieval plants and herbs; expert historians will deliver illustrated talks, and there will be guided walks and tours of the church. Brick making and craft demonstrations will take place on Church Green, and the Children’s Activity Marquee will offer face painting, and the opportunity to learn to write like a medieval monk or make your own stained glass window, which can then be taken home! There will be local beer and sausages, home-made soup and afternoon teas.

Every medieval town had its own band and musicians who were called the Waits: the Ludlow Waites will be performing on Saturday, and there will be music throughout the weekend.

Costs:
Children Free
Entry to Church Free
Entry to stalls on the Church Green Free
Stone Carving Festival £1.50 – including re-admission
Flower Festival £1.50 – including re-admission
Face Painting £1.00 – £2.00

Illustrated Talks, Walks and Tours – £10.00 per person

The programme consists of three illustrated talks on:
• Decorative Features of the Timber-framed Buildings of Ludlow
• Conservation Work Recently Undertaken on No. 27 Broad Street, Ludlow
• Conserving and Restoring the Reader’s House in Church Walk

The seminar takes place in St Laurence’s on the morning of Saturday 21 May, and costs £10.00 per person, inclusive of attendance at the talks in the morning, an historic walk in the town or a guided tour of the church in the afternoon, plus entry and re-admission to the Stone Carving Festival and the Flower Festival.

Programme/registration form for the Illustrated Talks, Walks or Tours may be downloaded from the website (www.stlaurences.org.uk – Conservation Trust – Ludlow Conservation Weekend)