Photo: Hay Castle by Philip Halling, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About this place
Hay Castle stands above the market town of Hay-on-Wye on the Welsh border.
The stone castle was built as a border stronghold for the De Braose family in the 12th century and suffered repeated fire damage and siege warfare during medieval conflicts along the Welsh Marches.
Today it combines a restored medieval keep with gallery and workshop spaces, a shop and a café.
The castle holds exhibitions relating to Richard Booth, the bookseller whose 1977 declaration of Hay-on-Wye as an independent kingdom transformed it into a world-famous book town.
Historic Houses members receive free entry with a valid card.
Read more on WikipediaHistory
The stone castle was built as a border stronghold for the De Braose family in the 12th century. Over the centuries it suffered repeated fire damage and was caught up in siege warfare during medieval conflicts along the Welsh Marches. In the 20th century it became closely linked to Richard Booth, the bookseller who declared Hay-on-Wye an independent kingdom in 1977, transforming the town into a world-famous book centre. The castle now holds exhibitions relating to Booth's life and the town's book trade.
Architecture
The castle mixes surviving medieval fabric, including a keep, with later additions and a recent programme of restoration that has opened up new gallery and workshop spaces within the historic walls.
Worth knowing
The castle is associated with Richard Booth, the self-styled 'King of Hay' whose declaration of Hay-on-Wye as an independent kingdom in 1977 turned it into the world-famous book town it is today.
Gardens & grounds
The grounds around the castle offer open space to sit or wander, with views over Hay-on-Wye and the Wye valley.
Facilities
Plan your visit
Nearest station: Builth Road Rail Station (14.4 miles)
Nearby properties
The Begwns
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View Llanthony Priory on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Hay Castle there are 1 historic properties, including 1 historic building.
Within 10 miles of Hay Castle there are 6 historic properties, including 3 castles, across English Heritage, Cadw and National Trust sites.
Within 20 miles of Hay Castle there are 22 historic properties, including 5 historic buildings, 4 castles and 3 Defences, across Cadw, English Heritage and Churches Conservation Trust sites.
Facts
A border castle turned book-town landmark, where medieval walls now house contemporary art and the legacy of the 'King of Hay'.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- Powys, Wales
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