Hay-on-Wye
Since the 1960's, the small village of Hay-on-Wye (pop. 1,300) has become the largest permanent used-book market in the world, with about 40 shops selling all kinds of publications imaginable.
The Hay Festival of Literature has been held for 10 days each (late May to early June) since 1988 and draws an tremendous 80,000 visitors over that period. The event is sponsored by The Guardian newspaper.
On 1 April 1977, Hay-on-Wye famously declared itself independent from the United Kingdom, with Richard Booth, a local bookseller and the owner of the ruined 900-year old Hay Castle, as its new king. Hay's "king" now sells low-cost "peerages" to perplexed visitors..
Hay has inspired the creation of a similar "book town" (although with no claim to independence) on the continent, the equally tiny village of Redu in Belgium.
How to get there
Hay-on-Wye is not properly in Herefordshire, but right across the Welsh border, the River Wye marking the boundary.The English part of town is adminstratively separate, and is called Cusop.
The nearest train station is Hereford. From there, bus No 39 or 40 make the connection to Hay (55min, £6.60).
|
|
|
