Unlocking a stinking surprise at the castle

One sunny day in 1970, while on holiday in north Wales, I went to look over the 13 century Dolwyddelan Castle, near Betws-y-Coed. not being able to find a car park, I stopped in a lay-by and walked along the road until I came across a sign stating: ‘If you would like to see over the castle, please call at the cottage down the road.’ I arrived at said cottage and knocked. A lady answered, then said: ‘Can I help you?’ ‘I’d like to see over the castle, please,’ I said. She looked surprised and repeated: ‘You’d like to look over the castle?’ ‘Yes, please,’ I said, ‘have I come to the right cottage?’ She nodded and disappeared inside, returning with what looked like a roll of raffle tickets. She handed one to me, saying: ‘That will be sixpence please.’ Sixpence in old money would be 2½p today. I paid and turned to go. ‘hold on,’ she called, ‘you’ll be needing this,’ then disappeared inside again before emerging with a key which must have been eight inches long. ‘You’ll have to let yourself in but please don’t forget to bring it back.’ I climbed the steep, overgrown hill to the castle, a trek of nearly half a mile. On the way I wondered if I was the only person in living memory to have asked to look over it, whether this was the only key, and what would happen if I didn’t return it. I let myself into the keep but came back out as it was dreadfully neglected, stinking and swarming with flies. I explored the castle grounds before stumbling down the hillside, returning the key and setting off to the pub for a pint. I’m glad to say the castle facilities have improved since that day. It now has a car park, entry is nearer a fiver and nobody is surprised to see you!