Hexham Abbey, located in Northumberland, England, has a rich history dating back to its origins as a Benedictine monastery founded by St Wilfred in 674. The original church was built from recycled Roman stonework and would have been much smaller than the present day structure. A small part of the original building remains in the Abbey’s famous Anglo Saxon crypt, which is one of the most ancient Christian structures still in use in Britain.
During the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537, the Abbey church was retained for use as the town’s parish church of St Andrew, leaving most of the monastic buildings and the medieval nave to be abandoned and quarried away. The Victorian period saw significant restoration of the church, including the rebuilding of the eastern bay of the choir in 1858. In the early years of the 20th century, efforts were made to improve the state of the abbey, culminating in the rebuilding of the ruined nave to the designs of Temple Moore, which was consecrated in 1908.
Today, the Abbey retains much of its medieval charm and is filled with interesting original furnishings and relics from its rich history. The interior features a surprisingly rich collection of 15th century paintings on wood, incorporated into the choir screen and stalls, and in the two chantry chapels flanking the high altar. One of these chapels, the chantry of Prior Leschman, is famous for its primitive stone carvings. The oldest item in the church is the Frith Stool, an ancient bishop’s throne from St Wilfred’s time which would have been in use when the previous church was briefly designated as a cathedral.
Though the church is currently closed to the public for renovation, it is normally open and welcoming on a daily basis. Visitors to Hexham Abbey can experience the rich history and medieval charm of this impressive structure, while enjoying a warm welcome from the friendly staff and volunteers.
Posted by Aidan McRae Thomson on 2019-01-22 20:35:16