“Few churches in the North of England equal the spectacular interior and monastic relics of Hexham.” (Simon Jenkins, England’s Thousand Best Churches)
Hexham Abbey isn’t just a building—it’s a story carved in stone, echoing with the voices of centuries past. For over 1,350 years, this sacred site has stood as a beacon of faith, culture, and community, ever since Queen Etheldreda gifted the land to Wilfrid, Bishop of York, around 674 AD.
We’re proud to be stewards of this extraordinary heritage, and we’re working hard to share its wonders with the world. If you’re curious about the treasures that lie within, you’ve come to the right place.
Hexham Abbey has been touched by remarkable individuals and is home to rare and significant artefacts that tell the story of Britain’s spiritual and cultural journey.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply curious, Hexham Abbey offers a journey through time like no other.
Hexham Abbey is a place where history breathes through every stone. While much has changed over the centuries, echoes of its earliest days remain—most notably in the Saxon crypt and apse, the last surviving parts of Wilfrid’s original Benedictine abbey, founded in 674 AD.
From that ancient beginning, the Abbey has grown and evolved, with additions made in nearly every century:
In 2014, Hexham Abbey entered a bold new era with the completion of a £3 million restoration of its medieval monastic buildings. This transformative project created:
For the first time since the Reformation, when Henry VIII dissolved the monastic complex, all the Abbey’s buildings were reunited—marking one of the most significant milestones in its long and storied life.
Since the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537, Hexham Abbey has served as the parish church of Hexham. Today, it remains a vibrant hub of Christian worship and community life:
