Cheese Market, Hay-on-Wye

The Cheese Market is a neoclassical building on Market Street with three bays topped by Doric columns across its front. The symmetrical ashlar stone exterior reflects the solid construction methods of the era, while the interior divides into a ground-floor public space and an upstairs assembly hall.

The building was completed in 1835 by Sir Joseph Bailey to replace an aging market hall that no longer suited the town's needs. Its construction marked an important modernization of the town center during the Victorian period.

The upper room once served as a place of worship for the local Catholic community before a dedicated church opened elsewhere. This religious use shows how important such spaces were for bringing people together.

The ground floor remains open to the public, while the upper level now operates as holiday accommodation. When visiting, be aware that some areas may not be accessible to general visitors due to its mixed-use function.

Inside the ground floor, a mosaic made from roughly 900 sponsored tiles tells the story of the town's past. This communal artwork was created by local residents who each contributed tiles to the project.

Location: Hay-on-Wye

GPS coordinates: 52.07458,-3.12583

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:48