passages from the works of antiquarian writers and ancient historians.

As an acceptable addition, to Strangers as well as Residents, correct accounts are added of important charitable and useful Institutions, with the time of their original foundations, when it can be clearly ascertained; and Strangers will, without doubt, feel gratified by having put into their hands a convenient guide to the numerous surrounding Gentlemen's Seats, Villages, &c. which are briefly but circumstantially described.

In preparing this SECOND EDITION of the work for the press, care has been taken to correct former inaccuracies, and additional information has supplied the means of making considerable improvements.

From the nature of this work it can pretend to little more than the merit of judicious selection, and it is particularly incumbent on the Compiler to acknowledge, that among others, the elegant Historian of the Anglo-Saxons, the Author of the interesting History of the Court of Elizabeth, and the learned Authors of the Architectural Antiquities of Great Britain, have supplied important materials.

The Traveller pauses to contemplate such objects, in the more interesting parts of the country he has to traverse, as are eminently distinguished by the singularity, the beauty, or

the grandeur of their appearances.

Seldom, it is believed, will he in his course, arrive at a place more attractive than Ludlow; and if his stay be for a season, the neighbourhood will supply an inexhaustible fund of pleasure and

History and Antiquities

OF

LUDLOW.

THE history of the remote ages of antiquity is obscure; for in attempting to trace the succession of events through periods of darkness and barbarity, much is left to conjecture, which necessarily terminates in doubt and uncertainty. It is well known that the aboriginal inhabitants of this island made a last and determined stand against their invading enemies, in that district which had its boundary in, what in later times was called, the Marches of Wales. However this barrier tract might be extended from time to time one way or the other, as either party occasionally gained ground, it is certainly known that Ludlow was early occupied as a military station to withstand the incursions of the Britons, who disputed every foot of ground as they slowly retreated. So strongly are the natural

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feelings of human nature opposed to injustice and oppression, that not only is all power contemned, but all hazards and difficulties suffered patiently, even life willingly sacrificed by a brave people, in preference to an ignominious and slavish submission.

The Romans are said to have been engaged nearly two hundred years in subduing Britain, and it was not till A. D. 75 that Julius Frontinus conquered the warlike tribe of the SILURES, twenty-five years after the defeat of Caractacus by Ostorius.

Of the active operations of the contending parties, interesting traces yet remain; on the Herefordshire beacon, Credon hill, Coxwall knoll, &c. are vestiges of british camps; and on the military stations of Dynedor and Brandon camps, undoubted remains of roman fortifications are visible. Also of the remarkable hill, called Caer Caradoc, traditional and historical accounts agree in stating it to have been occupied by Caractacus, and many fierce battles to have been fought in its vicinity. An ancient writer describes this place as "exceedingly well fortefied, both by nature and art; upon the toppe of an high hill, environed with a tripple ditche of great depth. There were iij gates, and on three sides, steepe headlong places, and compassed on the lifte hande with the river Colun, on the right with Themis." Different situations

have been ascribed to the scene of the last decisive battle between Ostorius and Caractacus ; but none rest on such strong grounds of probability, as the stations of Brandon camp and Coxwall knoll. The first of these is situated a little to the west of the great roman road leading from Magna, or Kenchester, to Uriconium, or Wroxeter, and between Wigmore and Leintwardine. Its square form, and the fragments of roman pottery, which may still be picked up within its precincts, evidently prove its origin. The second is within sight, and distant from the roman camp about three miles, and a little above the village of Brampton Brian. It crowns the summit of a lofty hill, well covered with oak trees, and is, (like the generality of british fortresses,) very irregular in its shape. The river Teme runs through the vale near the foot of the hill. Strong by nature but made stronger by art; bold and wild as the chieftain who formed it. On a survey of these two camps, even the most lukewarm traveller will feel a certain degree of enthusiasm, when he recollects that an Ostorius stood on one camp, and a Caractacus on the other; and that their heroic deeds were recorded by the pen of a Tacitus. His satisfaction will be heightened, when he knows that they are the undoubted strong holds occupied by the roman and british generals; for each particular related by the historian concerning