This book both gives a history of the Mortimers (notably in their actions and impact on the central Marches) and suggests a tour, which you can vary to suit your own interests, that explores the surviving physical remains that relate to the family. The Mortimer family came from Normandy, either at or shortly after the Norman Conquest, became established in Wigmore and the surrounding area and, over the centuries, rose to be one of the most powerful families in the land. Partly through the good fortune of having an unbroken male succession for over 350 years, and also through conquest, marriage and royal favour, they amassed a great empire of estates in England, Wales and Ireland; played key roles in the changing balance of power between the monarchy and nobles; deposed a king and virtually ruled the kingdom for three years; became, in later generations, close heirs to the throne through marriage; and seized the throne through battle when a Mortimer grandson became King Edward IV.

The tour outlined in the book details what there is to see at 17 locations connected with the Mortimers. These include substantial remains of stone-built castles as well as mottes of several smaller castles; churches and tombs; depictions of individual members of the family and their heraldic coats of arms in stained glass; and buildings and art patronised by the family. A Quiz and an I-Spy have been designed to give pleasure to families wishing to find out more, with the successful completion of the latter leading to a certificate issued by the Mortimer History Society. Richly illustrated with over 75 colour photographs, together with maps and family trees, this book can therefore be enjoyed on several fronts.

Philip Hume lives outside Ludlow in the heart of ‘Mortimer Country’. This has been an ideal location to link his enthusiasm for medieval history and researching the lives and events that shaped the area, with exploring new places to find the buildings and artefacts that connect us to our past.

Paperback with flaps | 144 pages | 234 x 156 mm | 2016
Over 75 colour photographs as well as maps and family trees
ISBN 978-1-910839-04-1

Logaston On the Trail of the Mortimers