Essential Hotels > England > Northumberland > Hexham

Hexham is one of the most famous towns in Northumberland and is situated around 25 miles to the west of Newcastle. Even closer than Newcastle meanwhile, and in the opposite direction, are the southern reaches of Northumberland National Park which sweeps away to the border with Scotland in the north. Hexham in Northumberland is a particularly historic town, dating back to the seventh century and it has a good number of old buildings to show for its heritage. Meanwhile, more recently it has been the subject of plenty of awards such as the Britain in Bloom contest.

More than a typical British market town, Hexham has a series of impressive structures that were built many years ago while there are also sporting facilities and open green spaces. Significantly, Hexham is a short distance from the Hadrian’s Wall world heritage site and so visitors looking to experience something of this piece of history would be well positioned if staying in the town. Following a similar line as the wall but a little to the south is the River Tyne whose mouth is at Newcastle.

It is thought that there was probably not a Roman settlement on the site now known as Hexham due to the presence of a supply base just three miles away at Corstopitum. However, by 674AD the town’s recorded history had begun when it was noted that some land was given for the building of a monastery and a church in the area.

Later, after the Norman conquest Hexham experienced a period of growth which led to the re-building of a new priory church and a monastery. The town became known as Hextildisham, taking its name from the wife of one of the church’s patrons although this was simplified to Hexham later.

Over time Hexham often suffered during the Border Wars; for example, in 1297 William Wallace burnt the town down. Then, in 1464, the Battle of Hexham took place to the south of the town during the War of the Roses. The local economy took an important upturn in the 18th and 19th centuries as the leather trade became central and the Hexham tans leather gloves became famous.

Hexham is home to a series of historic buildings. Firstly, Hexham Abbey is prominent and is difficult to miss, positioned as it is in the market place area, a place it has stood since the 13th century. Further, Hexham Old Gaol is said to be among the country’s oldest and dates to 1330.