Hexham has a population of about 12000 folk. The streets are narrow and some of the houses are quite old.
The abbey lies at the centre of the town. It was founded around 674 by St Wilfrid, and part of the present abbey, the underground vault, or crypt, dates back to that era. stones from the nearby Hadrian's Wall were used in the construction of the Abbey. Most of the present building is from the 11th Century.
The Moot Hall, and the Gaol are also ancient buildings.
Being so close to the Scottish border, Hexham was much troubled during the years of conflict between England and Scotland. Such worthies as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and
King DavidII were unwelcome visitors to the town.
St Wilfrid has a long and interesting history, and there are links to it on this page. I suggest you follow the leads. It is worth reading.
He spent time at Lindisfarne, Canterbury, Gaul and Rome before returning to Northumberland.
St Bede wrote at length about Wilfrid. He appears to have liked his luxuries and travelled with a large retinue. He ruled a large number of monasteries and claimed to have introduced The Rule of St. Benedict to England.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hexham
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilfrid
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| Hexham Abbey |
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| side altar |
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| side aisle |
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| the night stairs |
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| looking to the main altar |
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| the main altar |
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| 7th Century crypt |
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| 7th Century Bishop's chair |
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| organ made in Pennsylvania |
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| the pulpit |
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