A trip to Hay Castle takes you on a journey of discovery through the ages. This castle, which is part Norman, part Jacobean and part Victorian, has stood for more than 1,000 years and has been a medieval stronghold, occupied by invaders, a patriots’ citadel, a manor house and even a famous bookshop.
Like so many English-Welsh border castles, Hay Castle, situated in Hay-on-Wye, was significantly damaged during the uprisings of the 15th Century against English rule, led by Owain Glyndwr. However, soon after, it was listed as a castle defensible against the Welsh and it remained a residence until the early 20th Century.
Since then it has gradually fallen into disrepair, but the ruins are still a fascinating place to admire.
For 10 days every year the castle bears witness to some of the most exciting writers, artists and thinkers of our time as part of the famed Hay Literary Festival. At the end of May some 80,000 people from around the world descend upon the town and the castle ruins to debate and share stories.
There are a number of interesting bookshops lining the cobbles around the castle, which you can visit, and there are plans underway to turn the castle into a major arts and culture centre, opening it up to the public for the first time. One of the bookshops, The Honesty Bookshop, has no till just a collection pot. All books are under £1 and book lovers make a donation each time they take a book, with all proceeds going towards the castle restoration.
