There has been a church on this site over for 1300 years since Queen Etheldreda made a grant of lands to Wilfrid, Bishop of York c.674.
Of Wilfrid’s Benedictine abbey, the Saxon crypt and apse still remain. In Norman times Wilfrid’s abbey was replaced by an Augustinian priory: the church you see today is mainly that building of about 1170-1250, in the Early English style of architecture. The choir, north and south transepts and the cloisters, where canons studied and meditated, date from this period.
The east end was rebuilt in 1860 and the nave, whose walls incorporate some of the earlier church, was built in 1908.In 1996 an additional chapel was created at the east end of the north choir aisle. Named ‘St Wilfrid’s Chapel’, it offers a place for prayer or quiet reflection .Since the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537 the Abbey has been the parish church of Hexham and today is still a centre for worship and witness to the Christian faith.
Opening Times: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Services & events permitting).
Services: We would be delighted if you would join us at any of our services. We also welcome enquiries from groups about holding special services or using the Abbey's pilgrimage prayers.
Saxon Crypt: The Crypt is opened twice each day at 11:00 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. when services and events allow.
Donations: We rely on your generosity to help maintain this great building. We recommend a donation of £3 per person, which helps directly to continue the life and work of our church.
Guided Tours: Tours for groups can be arranged by prior booking through the Abbey Administrator. A small charge is made for the tour.
Visiting Groups: We are delighted to accommodate visiting groups and bus tours but all such visits should be booked in advance with the Abbey Administrator. All groups are encouraged to make a donation to support the work of the Abbey.
Facilities: There are no public toilets in the Abbey. The nearest are a few minutes' walk away behind the Queen's Hall in Beaumont Street.
Abbey Teas: Teas are served in the Monastic Workshop each Tuesday and Saturday from 10:30 – 16:00 during June to September. They are also happy to cater for groups outside these times.
Abbey Shop: Guide books, postcards and gifts are available. A CD and audio cassettes of the organ and choir are also available.