Hexam Abbey in Northumberland England
A Historic English Cathedral Built During the Anglo-Saxon Era
Sep 19, 2007
History of Hexam Abbey
Wilfred, the Bishop of York, received the land from Saxon Queen Etheldreda in 670 AD in order to establish a religious center. The church was called St. Andrews and it was a Benedictine Monastery. By the year 681 AD, the church was given a Cathedral status and remained that way for 140 years until the Viking invasion. In 1113, the church was turned into an Augustinian priory and additional construction continued until 1250. Most of the building that visitors see today was constructed during this period. The chancel and transept were built in 1212 by order of King John.
In 1537 the Priory was dissolved and the canons pensioned off. Reformers and puritans destroyed the priory and the adjacent dormitory was torn down in the next century. The Abbey was then made a parish church for the people of Hexam. Restoration continued over the centuries.
What to See at Hexam Abbey
One of the greatest attractions is the Anglo-Saxon crypt. Visitors can climb down steep stairs into the basement where they can see the walls and passageways of St Wilfred’s original church from the late 7th century.
In the south transept, there is a weathered cross from the grave of Acca, the Bishop of Hexam who died in 740. He was a loyal companion of St Wilfred and devoted his life to carrying on Wilfred’s vision of building a center of worship and faith in Northumbria.
An ornate wooden screen, known as a pulpitum, isolates the chancel from the rest of the church. The construction was ordered by Thomas Smythson, who headed the Priory from 1491 to 1524. The purpose of the screen was to give the canons privacy during their worship in the choir.
When a new nave was added to Hexam Abbey in 1907, builders collected fragments of stones from the interior and exterior for placement in the new walls. Many of these stones were from the ruined areas of the monastery and priory. Some of the stones are believed to be carved by the Romans and were brought from the fort in Corbridge.
In the south transept, there are 35 stone steps that rise up to a gallery that had three doors. These Night Stairs were used by the cannons from the priory who prayed several times a day in the chancel. It is believed that the stairs were built in the 13th century.
Located in the middle of the choir, there is a seat carved out of sandstone. Known as the Frith Stool, it dates back to the 7th century and most likely was used by Saint Wilfred when he was the bishop at the church. It was broken in the 19th century and was cemented together again.
Hanging in the north nave aisle there is a collection of historic banners. Some of them include a replica of the Hawick flag which was captured during a raid in 1914 plus banners from the British Legion. There are four banners bearing the Scots Guards Colours, the King’s Colour and the Regimental Colour. The Garter Standard of Viscount Allendale is on display along with the banner of Sir Percy Loraine Bt. PC, GCMG
Hexam Abbey Festival
This popular music festival was founded in 1953. The highlight of each year’s program is the Candlelight Concert. Performances take place in the Abbey and in the Queen’s Hall Art Center. It is an event that is a must-see for music lovers.
Hexam Abbey Visitor Information
The Hexam Abbey is open daily from 9:30 to 5:00 unless there are services scheduled
The Crypt is open from 11:00 to 3:30
Entrance is by a donation of £3
Guided tours are available for a small charge.
While in Hexam, take some time to visit the Old Gaol, the outdoor market and the shops in the downtown area.
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