our heritage
Markets have been integral to Hay’s history for over 700 years, but they remain as relevant now as they have ever been.
700 years of trading
in hay-on-wye
We can assume there has been a market in Hay since the Castle was built, over 700 years ago. In Victorian times, people walked from miles around, leading pack ponies laden with goods for sale. The town had 41 inns, many offering stabling. Livestock sales continued in the streets until 1919 when the cattle market was built.
Pigs were sold in Pig Lane, cattle and sheep in Broad Street and, near the Clock Tower, live poultry was displayed. In the Butter and Cheese Markets, dressed poultry, butter, cheese, rabbits and pheasant were sold, mainly to city dealers. The Christmas meat markets were huge affairs.
The markets in Hay have a rich heritage, but our focus is very much on the here and now. We are continually developing and evolving the market, keeping it at the heart of our community, championing creativity and independent commerce,
and creating a destination market for drawing visitors from far and wide to support our local economy.
Would you like to trade with Hay Markets? Click the button below to fill in our simple application form.