The Extensive History Of Hexham
Posted by Frederick Hoymer | Travel Destination | Posted on February 8th, 2010
One of three important towns located in Tynedale is Hexham in Northumberland. Hexham is located just south of the Tyne River and is a historic market town. One of the first recordings of Hexham is from 674 when the Abbey was built. The crypts form this Abbey was most likely built from stones out of Hadrian’s Wall and other Roman buildings. This original crypt is still standing though the current abbey was constructed in the 1800s.
Hexham was attacked several times during the border wars and William Wallace actually burnt the town at the end of the 1200s. The Battle of Hexham was fought in 1464 just to the south of town and the Duke of Somerset was executed in the town’s marketplace. There is a famous legend involving Queen Margaret of Anjou in that she took refuge in a nearby cave known as the Queen’s Cave.
A famous building is Moot Hall which is a Grade 1 building and was once a gatehouse. The council office and the Museums department currently reside in Moot Hall though there is an art gallery that is open to the public. Another old building is the Old Goal which is listed as a monument and contains exhibits dealing with the goal history as well as famous local families.
You can visit the old bridge as this was built even though there were several ferry crossings available. It actually took four different tries for the bridge to be built as one bridge was washed away in a flood and several others were plagued with building problems.
There is also a lovely water spot called the Devil’s Water which is tributary that is formed of the Tyne and several other streams. Supposedly the battle of Hexham was fought here.
Two main industries that developed side by side are the leather and tinning industries. Throughout time Hexham has been home to several master hatters and two woolen manufacturers.
Downstream of the bridge can be found some corn water mills and there is still a windmill in operation. The markets are still going strong and cattle and farm animals are sold in one section of the market.
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