CoralJackz – That History Couple

The oak gates of Hay Castle in Wales are believed to be the oldest working defensive gates in Britain. Each gate is of a different construction, one dating to around the 14th century and the other around the 17th century.

The castle was originally constructed as part of the Norman invasion of Wales, as a ringwork overlooking the town in the late 11th or early 12th century. It was rebuilt in stone in 1200 powerful Norman, Lord William de Braose.

It was sacked the following century and rebuilt by Henry III. Castle House, the adjoining Jacobean mansion, was built in 1660 but was severely damaged by fire in 1939 and 1977.

In 2018, restoration work began on the gates as well as the castle. In 2022 the gates were reopened and the castle was open to the public for the first time.