They say that age is just a number, but it's pretty important when it comes to churches - and Hexham Abbey in Northumberland is a church with a long history! There's been a church on this cut of land for at least 1300 years. Back in 674 AD, when England was still in the Dark Ages, a Benedictine Abbey was constructed here using material from nearby Roman ruins.
But sadly, around two-hundred years later, the whole place was burnt to the ground by an army of Vikings led by Halfdene the Dane. The current building probably dates back to around the 12th century: hence the early Gothic style, with beautiful pointed arches and an impressive timber ceiling. But that's not all there is to see: perhaps the greatest thrill of all is the Anglo-Saxon crypt beneath the abbey. Remarkably preserved since the 7th century, the crypt is the only part of the ancient church that still survives.
This design shows Hexham Abbey under a cloudy evening sky. The cherry tree is full of blossom, and the bell tower is reddened by the light of the setting sun - a beautiful scene to enjoy as you dry the dishes!
