Hexham - Northumberland is an attractive market town.
It used to be the administrative center for the entire Tynedale district.
Hexham is one of the three main towns in the area.
The last population census established that it has just over 11,000 residents.
Along with many other towns in North England, Hexham was badly affected during the wars against the Scots.
The infamous William Wallace burnt down the entire town in 1297.
Then, a few years later, Robert the Bruce held the town at ransom and threatened to burn it down again unless he was paid 2,000 pounds.
The oldest building, the Hexham Abbey, was used as a monastery by its founder, Saint Wilfred, in 674.
The crypt of the monastery managed to survive all adversities.
It contains stones from nearby ruins which are thought to be either Hadrian's Wall or Coria.
The present abbey dates back to the 11th Century, but was only properly restored during the 19th Century.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the town was known for its superb leather products, especially gloves which were called Hexham Tans.
This is now the name of a popular restaurant that specializes in vegetarian dishes.
History shows that in the year 1823, the local tannery made 80,000 dressed leather skins, and exported more than 20,000 dozen pairs of Hexham Tans gloves.
The leather industry still forms an integral part of the local economy.
Hexham boasts a Grade 1 listed building, namely the Moot Hall which, up until 1838, was the town's courthouse.
It is now serves as offices for the Museum Department of the council.
Unfortunately, this landmark is not open for public viewing.
In 2005 the residents were thrilled when their town won the Britain in Bloom award.
During the same year, it was also proclaimed to be England's favorite market town by Country Life magazine.
Hexham offers tourists a bus service to all the main attractions.
The town also has several taxi operators.
It used to be the administrative center for the entire Tynedale district.
Hexham is one of the three main towns in the area.
The last population census established that it has just over 11,000 residents.
Along with many other towns in North England, Hexham was badly affected during the wars against the Scots.
The infamous William Wallace burnt down the entire town in 1297.
Then, a few years later, Robert the Bruce held the town at ransom and threatened to burn it down again unless he was paid 2,000 pounds.
The oldest building, the Hexham Abbey, was used as a monastery by its founder, Saint Wilfred, in 674.
The crypt of the monastery managed to survive all adversities.
It contains stones from nearby ruins which are thought to be either Hadrian's Wall or Coria.
The present abbey dates back to the 11th Century, but was only properly restored during the 19th Century.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the town was known for its superb leather products, especially gloves which were called Hexham Tans.
This is now the name of a popular restaurant that specializes in vegetarian dishes.
History shows that in the year 1823, the local tannery made 80,000 dressed leather skins, and exported more than 20,000 dozen pairs of Hexham Tans gloves.
The leather industry still forms an integral part of the local economy.
Hexham boasts a Grade 1 listed building, namely the Moot Hall which, up until 1838, was the town's courthouse.
It is now serves as offices for the Museum Department of the council.
Unfortunately, this landmark is not open for public viewing.
In 2005 the residents were thrilled when their town won the Britain in Bloom award.
During the same year, it was also proclaimed to be England's favorite market town by Country Life magazine.
Hexham offers tourists a bus service to all the main attractions.
The town also has several taxi operators.
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