Hay Castle

Hay-on-Wye is well known for being the Town of Books, a haven for book lovers, which hosts an annual literary festival. However, it is also home to Hay Castle, originally constructed as part of the Norman invasion of Wales.

In May 2022, Hay Castle opened its doors to the public for the first time in its nine hundred year history, after a major 10-year restoration project. Visitors are treated to an exploration of the castle’s history, including the Richard Booth Collection, a tribute to the self-declared King of Hay. As a member of Historic Houses, I was able to visit for free.

A video presentation in the dungeons outlines the history of the castle over the ages. One of the most incredible stories is that of Matilda de Braose, who was locked up in the dungeon of Corfe Castle by King John with her 35-year-old son, with nothing but a sheaf of wheat and a side of raw bacon to sustain them. Eleven days later, when their cell was opened, they were both found dead. Known as ‘The Lady of Hay’, it is said that the family, once great favourites of John, fell from grace in 1208 when King John claimed that they owed a huge amount of tax. The rumour spread that William, Matilda’s husband, had witnessed the King killing Arthur of Brittany, his (King John’s) nephew and the rightful heir to the throne. When King John demanded Matilda’s son as a hostage to ensure loyalty from the family, Matilda refused, saying that she would not give her children to a king who had murdered his nephew. As a result, she and her eldest son were put to death in this cruel way.

John burnt the castle in 1216 and had to be rebuilt by Henry III. The castle was captured by Prince Edward in 1264 and by Simon de Montfort's forces in 1265. Visitors can climb up the steps (or use the lift!) to reach two floors of the ruined Norman tower, even scrambling up to the Crow’s Nest, a viewing platform giving excellent views of the town and surrounding countryside.

Back inside, there is a gallery devoted to Richard Booth, who proclaimed Hay an independent kingdom on the 1st April 1977, crowning himself as monarch and issuing passports to locals. He opened his first bookshop in the town's former fire station in 1961 and is responsible for transforming the market town into the world's foremost home for books.

The Castle also has a lovely cafe, offering delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Hay Castle,

Oxford Road,

Hay-on-Wye,

Hereford

HR3 5DG

You can read about some of the Brilliant Bookshops in Hay here.