In the 14th century, Ludlow was thriving. The town had built its fortune on the wool trade – an industry that attracted many skilled traders and artisans. One of these artisans was Richard Beckeye, who moved into Castle Lodge with his wife Agnes in 1373.

Beckeye was a skilled cordwainer who specialised in the most fashionable footwear of his day – leather 'poulaine' shoes with extremely long toes. He worked in a downstairs room of the Lodge and would sell his wares to passing market-goers from a stall that opened into the street.

In crafting her design, Libby Lord drew much from Beckeye's life and times – but also from the lived history of the room itself. 

The result is a suite that speaks of childhood adventure and theatrical fancies. You'll see it in the curious cubbyholes and the mock-medieval lighting – more gleam than gloom. Threaded through, too, are references to Beckeye's trade and the town that sustained it. Raw linen, wool and leather. Simple, authentic textures. Furniture from local craftspeople and colours from the local landscape. It's an honest and affectionate tribute to Ludlow – as it was, as it is and as it will be.