Ludlow Through Time

by Dorothy Nicolle

Published 15 October 2012
This new collection of images traces some of the changes that have taken place in and around this vibrant community over the centuries. It is a town with a long and surprising history, which began with the imposing Norman castle in the control of the infamous Mortimer family. Due to its position in the borderlands, by the Tudor period it became the virtual capital of neighbouring Wales, and the castle was home to some of the country's best known nobles.Though the town's importance declined from the 1700s, as the administrators withdrew to London, Ludlow retained its charm and elegance. Today it is often voted among the nicest towns in the country, and its festivals and restaurants draw visitors from all over the world. This selection of old images and stunning colour photography takes the reader on a journey through the history of Ludlow that is sure to reawaken memories of recent times past.

Shrewsbury Through Time

by Dorothy Nicolle

Published 15 February 2013
When the Normans arrived soon after 1066 Shrewsbury was already well established as an administrative centre with trading links throughout both England and Wales. That early market town thrived so that by 1300 or so it was one of the dozen most important and wealthy towns in England, despite regular incursions from the Welsh just over the nearby border. It was the wool trade that made Shrewsbury so successful and this success is evident in the many fine timber buildings.

By Victorian times Shrewsbury's importance was being overtaken by newer conurbations growing in industrial areas elsewhere but in a sense this was fortunate since the heart of the town did not suffer massive redevelopment. This unique selection of old and new images and informative captions will be essential reading for anyone who knows and loves this town.