Hay Castle
Hay Castle is a rare combination of a medieval border fortress and a seventeenth century Jacobean mansion, standing in the centre of Hay on Wye. Following extensive restoration, it is now a major cultural centre for arts, literature and learning, open to the public and used for exhibitions, events and education. The medieval remains include a stone keep and parts of the ringwork that formed the early Norman stronghold. The Jacobean mansion wraps around the medieval core, creating one of the most architecturally distinctive historic buildings in mid Wales. Recent conservation has stabilised the medieval masonry, restored the mansion’s key interiors and opened new gallery spaces and public areas. Hay Castle began as a timber ringwork in the late eleventh or early twelfth century, guarding a crucial crossing of the River Wye on the Welsh English border. Around 1200, a stone castle replaced the timber fortification. Its position made it a major marcher stronghold, repeatedly attacked, burned and rebuilt during the long history of conflict between Welsh princes and Norman lords. In the seventeenth century, a Jacobean mansion was constructed on the site, incorporating the medieval keep as part of its fabric. The mansion later suffered several destructive fires during the twentieth century. In 1961, bookseller Richard Booth bought the semi ruinous castle and used it as a bookstore, helping establish Hay on Wye’s identity as the “Town of Books.” The derelict castle was purchased by the Hay Castle Trust in 2011. A major restoration programme followed, culminating in its public opening in May 2022 as a centre for arts and culture. Hay Castle is now: Fully stabilised and conserved Home to galleries, cultural events and educational programmes Open to the public with indoor and outdoor access A landmark combining medieval fortification, Jacobean architecture and contemporary heritage design Alternate names: Castell y Gelli, Hay on Wye Castle, Gelli Castle Hay Castle Hay Castle is a rare combination of a medieval border fortress and a seventeenth century Jacobean mansion, standing in the centre of Hay on Wye. Following extensive restoration, it is now a major cultural centre for arts, literature and learning, open to the public and used for exhibitions, events and education. The medieval remains include a stone keep and parts of the ringwork that formed the early Norman stronghold. The Jacobean mansion wraps around the medieval core, creating one of the most architecturally distinctive historic buildings in mid Wales. Recent conservation has stabilised the medieval masonry, restored the mansion’s key interiors and opened new gallery spaces and public areas. Hay Castle began as a timber ringwork in the late eleventh or early twelfth century, guarding a crucial crossing of the River Wye on the Welsh English border. Around 1200, a stone castle replaced the timber fortification. Its position made it a major marcher stronghold, repeatedly attacked, burned and rebuilt during the long history of conflict between Welsh princes and Norman lords. In the seventeenth century, a Jacobean mansion was constructed on the site, incorporating the medieval keep as part of its fabric. The mansion later suffered several destructive fires during the twentieth century. In 1961, bookseller Richard Booth bought the semi ruinous castle and used it as a bookstore, helping establish Hay on Wye’s identity as the “Town of Books.” The derelict castle was purchased by the Hay Castle Trust in 2011. A major restoration programme followed, culminating in its public opening in May 2022 as a centre for arts and culture. Hay Castle is now: Fully stabilised and conserved Home to galleries, cultural events and educational programmes Open to the public with indoor and outdoor access A landmark combining medieval fortification, Jacobean architecture and contemporary heritage design