The Chronicle of Castello de Haye. This Chronicle traces the threads of history that weave through our business, connecting the purity of Swan’s Well to a timeless tradition of healing and care. From ancient reverence for water to the craft of soapmaking, each era reflects a piece of our mission at Castello de Haye—to honour nature’s gifts and transform them into something meaningful. Starting with our present work and reaching back through time, this story reveals how the past inspires every bar of soap we create.

21st century AD  In 2010, I began collecting spring water from Swan’s Well—its purity a gift, making it the perfect foundation for traditional, natural soap. From this simple act, our botanical skincare journey at Castello de Haye began.
We harness the power of nature, crafting skincare in harmony with the seasons and the landscapes surrounding us. Each product is made with intention—to nourish, heal, and transform well-being. As I draw water from this ancient spring, I feel a connection to its storied past—perhaps even to Ceinwen, a holy hermitess whose legacy blesses this very well. Could it be that her spirit gently guides us still?
17th century AD. Centuries before, the art of soapmaking began to take root in England. King James I granted special privileges to soap makers, recognizing their craft’s value. Around the same time, Louis Pasteur’s discoveries linked cleanliness to health, laying the groundwork for modern skincare. Andrew Pears later refined this tradition, creating scented bars that would influence generations—and inspire our own natural formulations.
11th century AD. Long before soap became a craft, the land near Swan’s Well held its own history. By the 12th century, a Motte & Bailey—an earthwork fortress topped with timber palisades—rose beside the spring. Known locally as The Tump, it was recorded in 1126 as ‘Castello de Haia’, the name that now graces our brand, connecting us to this ancient site.
5th century AD. Even earlier, the well bore the mark of Ceinwen, a holy woman and hermitess whose name means fair maiden. Her spiritual presence blessed Swan’s Well, and many oratories and sacred wells across the land still echo her name—a testament to her enduring legacy.
6th century BC. The reverence for water, like that of Swan’s Well, stretches back to antiquity. As Ezekiel 47:12 proclaims, "Their water flows from the sanctuary, their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing." Since ancient times, water has been celebrated as a gift of nature—pure, sustaining, and imbued with healing power, a belief that continues to guide us today.