A new exhibition is inviting visitors to step back in time and explore almost 400 years of literary history.
Shropshire Museums’ Collections Centre is hosting Ludlow: The Pageant, which tells the story of the 1934 Ludlow Castle commemorating John Milton's Comus.
Marking 300 years since John Milton’s masque Comus was first performed at Ludlow Castle, the pageant was a major county-wide event that united people from all walks of life in a dramatic retelling of more than 1,500 years of local history.
"This fascinating exhibition shines a light on a unique moment in Shropshire’s history, when the Ludlow community came together to celebrate their heritage through creativity, performance and civic pride," said Councillor Alex Wagner, Shropshire Council’s portfolio holder for culture.
"The surviving costumes, footage and memorabilia offer a wonderful glimpse into the scale and ambition of the 1934 pageant, and the community spirit behind it."
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More than 2,000 costumes were produced for the six-day spectacle, which attracted around 4,000 visitors each day.
The new exhibition features these costumes, alongside memorabilia and original film footage from the event.
It also highlights the community effort that brought the pageant to life, including the historic parade through Ludlow Castle featuring residents dressed as figures from different eras of Shropshire’s history.
Visitors can explore not only the theatrical performances but also the behind-the-scenes work and collective pride that made the event so memorable.
The exhibition runs until December 18, 2026, at the Shropshire Museums’ Collections Centre, Lower Gallery in Ludlow.
Admission is free, though donations are encouraged to support the centre’s work.
Opening hours are Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 9.30am to 5pm, and Saturday from 9.30am to 1pm.
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