Hay-on-Wye

Hay-on-Wye (Welsh, Y Gelli Gandryll), town in Powys, Wales. A market town straddling the River Wye at the foot of the Black Mountains, Hay-on-Wye lies on the border between England and Wales, about 30 km (20 mi) west of Hereford. During the 18th century the town’s main trade was in flannel, but, while it has also been a centre for livestock and dairy products, it is now best known for its second-hand bookshops. There are more than 30 of these shops, stocking millions of general, out-of-print, and esoteric titles. Hay-on-Wye’s first second-hand bookshop was opened in 1961 and many areas of the town, including Hay Castle, are given over to the selling of books. The castle dates, in part, from the 13th century and has been sacked a number of times, most notably by Henry III around 1233. The town hosts the prestigious annual Hay Festival, at which Britain’s top authors perform readings of their works, hold debates, and meet their readers.