Description of event at Hay Castle in 1863 from the Western Mail newspaper. This article describes the National Schools - Annual Treat:
"On Saturday last, the children of these schools had their treat given them by the Rev. Vicar, on the castle lawn. At 2.30 they assembled at the schools and soon afterwards, to the number of nearly 200, marched in procession to the Castle. The tables were covered with white cloth, decorated with vases of elegant flowers. After grace had been sung the children sat down, and after they had been plentifully regaled with tea and plum cake, which they heartily enjoyed, grace was again sung, and the children were allowed to run around the beautiful grounds..."