Explore Hexham, 1885

A detailed map of Hexham, a regional hub of the Tyne, featuring landmarks like the Ancient Abbey, Market Square, and the Nine-Arch Bridge, along with labels for various locations such as the River Tyne and residential areas.

Hexham in 1885

Hexham is the real town that helped inspire the Hexham of 1885—the place visited by Will Whitaker and the setting for an important part of his journey.

In 1885, Hexham was a busy working market town. Farmers came in from the surrounding countryside to sell animals and produce. Shopkeepers, craftsmen, and traders served the people who lived in the town and the nearby villages.

Hexham was also known for its leatherworking and glove-making traditions, including the famous “Hexham Tans.” These trades formed an important part of the town’s history. Other businesses, mills, and workshops helped support local families.

The railway had already brought greater travel and trade to Hexham, but daily life still moved at a slower pace than it does today. Horses, carts, market stalls, workshops, churches, and narrow streets were all part of the town’s everyday life.

This was the Hexham known by the Whitaker family in The Chronicles of Peckles-Wood Shire – Broken Sanctuary.

Region Profile: Hexham

Official Name: Hexham
Type of Place: Market Town and Civil Parish
Country / County: England / Northumberland
Location: 54.970° N, 2.102° W
Early Christian History: A church was founded here in 674 AD by Saint Wilfrid
Current Population: About 11,500 people
Main Industries: Manufacturing, farming, livestock markets, tourism, healthcare, education, and local shops
Modern Honor: Named one of Britain’s happiest places to live by Rightmove more than once

Today, Hexham is a busy but peaceful town. People enjoy its old buildings, friendly community, green parks, and lovely views of the Northumberland countryside.

The town is also an important place for people who live in the villages and farms nearby. Farmers bring animals and goods to market, while visitors come to shop, explore, and enjoy the town.

How People Make a Living

Hexham has many kinds of jobs and businesses.

Manufacturing: EGGER operates a large wood-products plant near Hexham and provides important jobs in the area.
Farming and Markets: Farming has long been an important part of life around Hexham. The livestock market continues that tradition.
Local Services: Schools, healthcare, shops, restaurants, and other services help support the town.
Tourism: Visitors come to see the historic buildings, explore Northumberland, and enjoy the town’s peaceful setting.

Hexham is proud of its independent shops and local businesses. These places help give the town its own special character.

Hexham is highly walkable and packed with architectural treasures:

Attraction	What It Is	Why Visit
Hexham Abbey	A stunning 12th-century church dominating the town center.	Descend into the intact 7th-century Anglo-Saxon crypt, built using recycled Roman stones from Hadrian’s Wall.
Hexham Old Gaol	Built in 1330, it is England’s oldest purpose-built prison.	Now a museum, it offers interactive exhibits highlighting medieval crime, punishment, and the notorious Border Reivers.
The Moot Hall	A 14th-century fortified gatehouse.	A striking medieval structure that historically served as a courthouse for the Archbishops of York.
Hexham Market Place	The historic, cobbled town square.	Visit on the second or fourth Saturday of the month to experience the bustling Hexham Farmers’ Market, famous for fresh local produce.
The Forum Cinema	An independent local institution.	Catch a film inside a beautifully restored, historic Art Deco cinema.

Note: Hexham also makes the perfect base camp for exploring nearby World Heritage sites like Hadrian’s Wall, Housesteads Roman Fort, and Chesters Roman Fort.

What Townspeople Are Proud Of

People in Hexham are proud of their strong community spirit. They value the town’s friendly atmosphere, safe streets, local shops, historic buildings, and beautiful green spaces such as Sele Park.

Many people are also proud that Hexham is still a true market town. Local businesses, old traditions, and familiar meeting places remain an important part of everyday life.

More than thirteen centuries of history can still be seen around Hexham. But the town is not stuck in the past. It is a living place where old streets, modern businesses, and new generations share the same home.

Ready to Continue the Adventure?

Return to Discover Hexham Map →

Own a Piece of 1885 → Peckles-Wood Shire Map →

The Illustrator’s Vision-The maps and illustrations of Peckles-Wood Shire are inspired by the real landscapes, places, and traditions of Victorian Northumberland. Created for The Chronicles of Peckles-Wood Shire, they mix history with imagination to bring the world of Broken Sanctuary to life. They invite young explorers to step into the Whitaker family’s adventure of 1885.