Ludlow Castle is a ruined medieval fortification in the @dlow in the English county of @ropshire, standing on a @omontory overlooking the @ver_Teme. The castle was probably founded by @lter_de_Lacy_(died_1085) after the @rman_Conquest and was one of the first stone castles to be built in England. During the @e_Anarchy of the 12th century the castle changed hands several times between the de Lacys and rival claimants, and was further fortified with a @ep and a large @ter_bailey. In the mid-13th century, Ludlow was passed on to @offrey_de_Geneville,_1st_Baron_Geneville, who rebuilt part of the @ner_bailey, and the castle played a part in the @cond_Barons%27_War. @ger_Mortimer,_1st_Earl_of_March acquired the castle in 1301, further extending the internal complex of buildings. Richard, @ke_of_York, inherited the castle in 1425, and it became an important symbol of @rkist authority during the @rs_of_the_Roses. When Richard's son, @ward_IV, seized the throne in 1461 it passed into the ownership of @e_Crown. Ludlow Castle was chosen as the seat of the @uncil_of_Wales_and_the_Marches, effectively acting as the capital of Wales, and it was extensively renovated throughout the 16th century. By the 17th century the castle was luxuriously appointed, hosting cultural events such as the first performance of @hn_Milton's @sque @mus_(John_Milton). Ludlow Castle was held by the @valier during the @glish_Civil_War of the 1640s, until it was besieged and taken by a @undhead army in 1646. The contents of the castle were sold off and a garrison was retained there for much of the @terregnum_(1649%E2%80%931660).