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© Copyright John Brightley and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

The Raven was situated at the junction of Gravel Hill and New Road. It has now been demolished.

I was very sad to hear the Raven in Ludlow had been demolished I have fantastic memories of the pub from my childhood. My grandad Len Harrison kept the pub in the 1960's and we used to go and stay probably every other weekend. I understand my grandad was a generous man and used to open early so the men from the old people's home  across the road could get a drink before dinner. There was a bench dedicated to him I don't know if it still exists. I used to sit on the counter when I was 3 or 4 and sing for the men in the bar for a bottle of Vimto and a packet crisps. I remember with much fondness on Christmas eve sharing the front bedroom with my sister falling asleep listening to the men in the bar singing Christmas carols, I was told the shepherds came down from the hills to join in the singsong (probably the drinking too!) I remember my grandad sitting head of the table dishing out the Christmas pudding,  I never knew it was him sneaking the sixpences into it. I also recall sitting at a table under the stairs helping him count the takings and him slipping me the odd half crown at the end of our visit for my help. I never got rich on the half crowns but feel rich on those fabulous memories. Thanks grandad (love you forever) and thanks to the Raven and the people of Ludlow.

Ian Harrison (December 2011)

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