Hexham Abbey

There has been a church on this site since Queen Etheldreda made a grant of lands to Wilfrid, Bishop of York in around 674.

For visitors who come in search of the past, the greatest thrill of all is the Anglo Saxon crypt. A steep stone stair descending from the nave takes you back 1,300 years, into rooms and passageways left intact from St Wilfrid’s original church.

There are many treasures to enjoy, including, a Saxon bishop’s throne dating from the 7th century, a 2000 year old intact Roman tombstone, a fine Dark Age cross, the famous ‘Dance of Death’ 15th century panel paintings, carved misericords, beautiful Victorian stained glass, and the Medieval Night Stair that was used by the Augustinian monks and is the only remaining night stair still in daily use.

The Hexham Chalice, a tiny copper and gold gilt goblet used by Anglo Saxon missionaries to celebrate Holy Communion, is the centrepiece of our exhibition and visitor centre, The Big Story.

Round off your visit in our Gift Shop and take a souvenir home, and don’t forget to sample our local homemade delights in the Refectory Cafe.