The UK's eccentric book-loving 'kingdom'

The UK's eccentric book-loving 'kingdom' Richard Collett In 1977, Richard Booth declared himself "king" of Hay-on-Wye in order to save the Welsh border town from economic ruin. On 1 April 1977, second-hand bookshop owner Richard Booth donned a homemade crown, marched through the streets of Hay-on-Wye and declared himself "King of Hay" outside the gates of the Welsh town's Norman-era castle. Cannon fire from the micronation's "gunboat" marked the declaration of independence; a flag was unveiled in front of Hay Castle; and Booth was crowned "King of Hay" as the new national anthem was played. Richard Collett By 1978, Richard Booth's Bookshop was the largest second-hand bookshop in the world Booth passed away on 20 August 2019, but the "Kingdom of Hay" continues.