Historic castle to open to public for first time in its 900 year history
A historic castle on the border with Herefordshire is to open its doors to the public next month for the first time in its 900 year history.
Work is currently ongoing to restore Hay Castle, in Hay-on-Wye in time for its official opening in May.
Executive director of the Hay Castle Trust, Tom True, told BBC News: “People are I think understandably very excited because we have awakened this great building which is the reason why Hay is where it is, but has been dormant for a long time.
“It is thrilling, it is wonderful and nerve-wracking and brilliant.
“Ancient stones and exceptional joinery are all well and good but it is the people that will make the place and I can’t wait to see them activate and animate the site.
“I think the possibilities are infinite and placing community at heart of everything we do is my top priority.”
The castle was built in the late 12th Century by Norman, Lord William de Braose but was sacked the following century and rebuilt by Henry III.
It was owned by Richard Booth before being purchased in 2011 by the Hay Castle Trust.
Work began on the castle in June 2018 after £4.5m funding was awarded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, plus a further £1m which was raised by the trust.
