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Description
Legend has it that the 12th century Hay Castle, in Hay-on-Wye, Wales, was built by a giantess, Moll Walbee, said by some to be a witch, by carrying the huge stones in her apron. Years later she was imprisoned, with her son, in the dungeons of Windsor Castle, where the vindictive King John left them both to starve to death. Tradition says that, when the bodies were eventually recovered, it was found that poor Moll had gnawed at her sons cheeks in a desperate bid to survive.
The Castle was taken and sacked on several occasions during the years of conflict between the Norman English and the Welsh. In 1322 when King Edward II captured the castle and gave it into wardship. After being sacked again by Owain Glyndwr in 1402, the Castle became the home of the Dukes of Buckingham from 1444. Edward, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, was beheaded in 1521 and his estates were confiscated.
The castle has been plagued by massive destructive fires over the years. The most recent fire, which destroyed a great part of the castle, occurred in 1977. The castle is now part of a "Haunted Castles" tour circuit in the UK. Parts of it have been restored and one can rent flats there now for 25 pounds per person per night.

Description
Legend has it that the 12th century Hay Castle, in Hay-on-Wye, Wales, was built by a giantess, Moll Walbee, said by some to be a witch, by carrying the huge stones in her apron. Years later she was imprisoned, with her son, in the dungeons of Windsor Castle, where the vindictive King John left them both to starve to death. Tradition says that, when the bodies were eventually recovered, it was found that poor Moll had gnawed at her sons cheeks in a desperate bid to survive.
The Castle was taken and sacked on several occasions during the years of conflict between the Norman English and the Welsh. In 1322 when King Edward II captured the castle and gave it into wardship. After being sacked again by Owain Glyndwr in 1402, the Castle became the home of the Dukes of Buckingham from 1444. Edward, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, was beheaded in 1521 and his estates were confiscated.
The castle has been plagued by massive destructive fires over the years. The most recent fire, which destroyed a great part of the castle, occurred in 1977. The castle is now part of a "Haunted Castles" tour circuit in the UK. Parts of it have been restored and one can rent flats there now for 25 pounds per person per night.