AN AUTHOR has written a book about the history of Ludlow.

Lost Ludlow was written by Ralph Beardmore, and contains rare and early photographs from the town, and insights into local history.

The result is a 176-page book of unique, never-before-seen images of Ludlow and surrounding areas.

The book is out today (Thursday, October 5) and can be bought from major literary retailers like Waterstones, as well as the local Castle Bookshop in Ludlow.

Logaston Press, the publisher, describes it as "A trove of rare photos taken in and around Ludlow".

It says: "The images are drawn from an extensive collection of old plates, negatives and prints, many previously unpublished, and ephemera of the town and local area. The people, places, stories and histories in the photographs are described in detail.

"Key local buildings and scenes, including St Laurence's Church and Ludlow Castle, look strikingly different from today. Other buildings, including the vestiges of the medieval Palmers Guild, have gone altogether. Also here is a mill fire, intimate early portraits, forgotten gatherings and parades, and visiting royalty."

Mr Beardmore, an author and researcher who collects photographs, has previously written a book about Ludford House in Ludlow, which came out in 2020 telling the story of the house and its occupants.

Mr Beardmore has a wide knowledge of local history, of those who lived and worked in Ludlow, and more broadly about the development of photography as an art form and trade.