Hexham nostalgia: Historic market town is little changed
Hexham bills itself as a historic market town but that description hardly does justice to its many attractions.
The centre of Hexham is dominated by its abbey, which dates largely from the 11th Century though it was rebuilt significantly in the 19th.
As we shiver our way through this week, we should count ouselves lucky that the weather hasn't been as bad as in February 1929 when the Tyne froze at Hexham.
Close by is the Old Gaolcorrect, one of the first purpose-built jails in England and a Grade I Scheduled Monument that now houses a museum dedicated to the history of the Border Reivers.
And between the two is the Moot Hall, a 15th Century gatehouse that was part of the defences of the town. It was used as a courthouse until 1838 and is now used by Tynedale Council.
Like many towns in the area, Hexham suffered in the border wars and was attacked by William Wallace in 1297. The Battle of Hexham was fought close by during the Wars of the Roses and in the 18th and 19th centuries the town became a noted centre for the leather trade.
The Journal's photo archives chart Hexham's more recent history, showing how much the town has changed, but also how its historic core has remained remarkably the same.
Still recognisable is Hexham Racecourse in a picture from 1938 with punters lining up to watch the action, while from 1929 there is a scene unlikely to be seen today as people walk across the frozen River Tyne in the shadow of Hexham's Tyne Bridge.
And our fascinating picture of Hexham's Priestpopple in 1952 shows cars and buses from the time but many buildings little changed to this day.
We'd like to hear from you. Send your stories, pics and videos to northumberland@ncjmedia.co.uk
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I could be wrong but the Abbey is in the wrong place for the photo to be of Hallstile Bank. After much thought I think it may be at the top of Hencoates take opposite where the Fox pub is now.
I thought Hallstile bank is from the Market Place running down to Haugh Lane
Former resident John Watson-Stout has kindly been in touch with some memories of his "lovely town" of Hexham:
"It has been many a long day since i first
stepped foot in Hexham. My first visit was as a child to Duke's House School camp at the age of 12.
I think i fell in love with the town then.
Some few years later i worked as a Commis Chef, first at the Beaumont hotel under 3 diferent head chefs. I then moved to the Royal Hotel then owned by Captain Gardener, and the head chef was Colling McDermot.
However my love for the Beaumont Hotel was so strong I returnd to the Beaumont under Chef Bill Batey, a local man who was then the owner of the Tudor Restaurant.
Bill was a great guy. My watering bowl was the Robin Hood bar and I spent many a night in the Fangdango club owned by Lenny Hepple. Oh how i wish i could turn back the clock.
I have lived now for many years in the
South of Ireland, but i long for my beautiful
Hexham and Northumberland.
I wonder if anyone in Hexham remembers me?"
Aye Doug. Looks to me like Dean Street with the old hospital on the left, looking down towards junction of Station Rd/Priestpopple.
Your spot on Roger, I was wrong I had it at the other end of the town but it is looking down Dene street
You're right, guys! I live on Hallstile and could see straight away that it looked wrong, then spotted the Abbey, Moot Hall and Old Gaol in the distance and KNEW it was wrong! Dean Street it is - well spotted, Roger.
Has anybody seen any old pictures of the Wentworth car park/leisure centre area before it became the Wentworth? ie when it was housing and/or orchards?