Hay-on-Wye is the second-hand book capital of the world. There are bookshelves on the street and in back yards, on walls and in tin sheds, in a cinema, in gardens, cafés, and the biggest of all is in the castle! Close to St Mary’s Church is the site of an 11th century motte and bailey castle. The present castle has had the characteristically violent history of the border strongholds - built in 1200 and destroyed by King John in 1216. Tradition says it was rebuilt in one night by Maud de St Valery, who used her apron to carry the stones. Then the castle was burned by Prince Llewellyn and rebuilt by Henry III. It was attacked again in 1265 by Simon de Montford. And that’s only the 13th century! Powis Castle has been inhabited by local families for 500 years and is beautifully preserved. It stands in a remarkable garden and contains an impressive collection of paintings and furniture.