Scheduled MonumentsWalesHay Castle
Medieval · Castle

Hay Castle

Breconshire, Wales
Cadw SAM BR076
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Hay Castle is a medieval fortress situated in the town of Hay-on-Wye in Breconshire, Wales. The castle was founded in the late twelfth century as a Norman stronghold, with its earliest stone structures dating to around 1190 when it was built by William de Braose. The castle comprises a substantial stone keep and curtain walls that reflect its importance as a defensive position commanding the Wye Valley and the Anglo-Welsh border. The site has been substantially modified over subsequent centuries, particularly during the seventeenth century when it was damaged during the English Civil War and subsequently underwent domestic remodelling that obscured some of its medieval character.

Hay Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference BR076. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Hay Castle?

Hay Castle is a medieval fortress situated in the town of Hay-on-Wye in Breconshire, Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference BR076.

What period does Hay Castle date from?

Hay Castle dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a castle. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Hay Castle?

Hay Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Cadw — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Wales. The official designation reference is BR076.

What other scheduled monuments are near Hay Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Remains of Blaenau Stone Circle (5.1 km), Two bowl barrows and a lime kiln 220m west of Llan Oleu (6.2 km), Coed y Polyn round barrow (6.3 km).

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