A brief overview
Wigmore Castle was one of the most important castles in the turbulent history of the Welsh Marches.
Founded in 1067 by William fitz Osbern, Wigmore castle was a major centre of power for over 500 years, and played host to several kings and queens. Held by the Mortimer family from about 1075 to 1425, it passed to the Crown and was later sold to Sir Thomas Harley in 1601. The castle fell into ruin after being deliberately demolished during the Civil War.
The village of Wigmore was founded as a borough in the 11th century, and developed around a crossroads below the castle. By the early 14th century it was a prosperous market town, with 102 tenants, a weekly market and an annual fair. The town declined when the Mortimer family moved its administrative centre to Ludlow Castle.
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