Mortimer Country ....
The Mortimer family, who came over from Normandy with William the Conqueror, settled in the borderlands as Marcher Lords. Wigmore Castle was their main stronghold until the 13th Century, when Roger Mortimer married Joanna de Geneville bringing Ludlow Castle into the family. The original settler, Ralph de Mortimer, took his name from Mortemer en Brai in Normandy and ‘Mortimer country' gradually extended over four centuries from north Herefordshire to south Shropshire and into Radnorshire. The family became increasingly powerful until, following his alliance with Queen Isabella and the death of Edward II, Roger Mortimer ruled England as Regent for the youthful Edward III. Fortunes fluctuated until the end of the Mortimer line and their pretensions to the English throne with the death of Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth.
Medieval Marcher Lords and their splendid castles in ruins
Oxford Street, Harley Street, Wigmore Hall: our London links
Roman garrison at Leintwardine on the River Teme
The bloody Battle of Mortimer's Cross in 1461
In between historic Ludlow and the Welsh border
Mortimer Trail, Herefordshire Trail, Offa's Dyke paths
Excellent pubs, restaurants, tea shops and more
Riding, walking, cycling, forests and wildlife
Coracle regatta, food festivals and village fetes
Oh, those comfy beds and welcoming hosts!
Under your feet - the world famous Aymestry limestone rock
Nothing to disturb: just peace, quiet and glorious views
Traditional villages, black and white cottages
Rugby and cricket to watch at Luctonians in Kingsland
Yes, something for everyone - just come and see