Independence
for Hay-On-Wye! |
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Many of you know that Hay-On-Wye is famous
for its multiplicity of bookshops but did you know that
we have our own King who lives in the castle in Hay? The
story begins long ago (in 1977 actually) when the booktown
founder, Richard Booth, decided that action must be taken
to revitalise Hay, ensure the livelihood of its inhabitants
and restore the town to its former prosperity. Independence
seemed to be the only solution.
The Declaration of Independence was made in December 1977
and the town celebrated with a party and fireworks.
When King Richard, resplendent in his royal robes with crown,
orb and sceptre, made from an old
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| ball-cock and copper piping, was afterwards asked whether
he was serious, his reply was:"Of course not - but it's
more serious than real politics..!" |
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The enormous advantage that independence gave
to the population of Hay was the opportunity to give everyone
a top Government or Civil Service job. Someone whom one met
in a pub could five minutes later become Home Secretary; the
Minister for Social Security was appointed in a second having
the highly relevant experience of being |
| unemployed for six years and a strong Scottish accent became
the prerequisite for the Minister for Scottish Affairs. All
cheerfully agreed to bear the heavy load of responsibility
placed upon them. |
| Today, 24 years later, Hay is a thriving
community with more than 30 bookshops and is known internationally
as the first Town Of Books. Since April 2000 we have had
our own House of Lords, the investiture of which was held
in the State Room at the castle where 21 Hereditary Peers
of the Kingdom of Hay were created. The Hay Peerage is available
to all today with Richard Booth The King of Hay, conferring
Dukedoms; Earldoms; Baronies and Knighthoods, at minimal
cost and with very little fuss.
Long Live the Spirit of Independent Hay!
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Historical details extracted from "Independence For
Hay" by Richard Booth. |
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Treasure Chest
