Hexham Abbey

Open May to September, daily 9am-7pm. October to April 9am-5pm. Admission free, donations welcome. Access to wheelchair users.

Dominating the town, the Abbey dates mainly from the 12th century. Founded in 674AD by St Wilfrid, it was built using stone from the nearby Roman fort at Corstopitum. Most of the original building was destroyed by invading danes in 875, however, the superb Saxon Crypt and St Wilfrid's Chair (or Fifth Stool), the Saxon throne of the Bishop, still survive. There are many interesting medieval features including the Rood Screen and Reredos (altar screen). Visitors can still climb the Night Stairs used by the monks to enter the Abbey from their nearby dormitory.