Outer Bailey

Covering an area of nearly four acres ( including a section not currently open to the public), the Outer Bailey would have provided protection for sufficient stables, workshops and storehouses to service a the needs of a garrison. It also may have been used to muster troops before the English invasion of Ireland in 1171. The Outer Bailey was probably built by Hugh de Lacy.

The Outer Bailey would have been a busy and crowded area. Jousting tournaments, troop exercises and other competitive entertainments would have occupied the people of the Castle.

Over the centuries, the Outer Bailey has been used for many public entertainments. In 1852, a celebration sports event was held to mark the opening of the Shrewsbury to Ludlow railway. More recently, Ludlow Festival and Ludlow Food and Drink Festival have held events in the grounds of the Outer Bailey. The annual Christmas Medieval Fayre is a popular shopping event