Welcome
Welcome to the web site of the
Hexham Local History Society (HLHS)
The Society was founded in 1966 and is now the largest local history society in Northumberland.
The Society has over 300 current members, from North Northumberland (Rothbury) to the far south (London), with quite a number from the centre of the world (Hexham). HLHS publishes regular newsletters and publications, holds a series of evening talks and organises excursions to local historic places of interest, so has much to offer anyone interested in Hexham and its history.
Please see further details below and elsewhere on the web site.
History
Hexham is an ancient market town in the Tyne Valley west of Newcastle. It lies close to Hadrian’s Wall, and parts of the Abbey church which lies in the middle of the town date back to 674. Researching and understanding the evolution of the town and other aspects of its history and of the surrounding country is of course the main interest of HLHS. Explore the Historic Hexham section of the web site to find out more.
Checkout the new extensive Photo Archive containing over 6000 photos of old Hexham and the surrounding area.
HLHS
Interested in finding more about the Hexham Local History Society and what it has to offer? Why not explore The Society section of the web site, which includes details of how you can become a member.
Talks
The HLHS runs an active series of evening talks during the year, with presentations given on historical topics of interest by a variety of invited experts including academics, authors and members of the HLHS. Talks are open to non-members of the HLHS (for a small fee), and you will have a chance to meet and have a cup of coffee or tea with HLHS members. Details of past talks and this year programme can be found on the Talks page of the web site.
Outings
Hexham is surrounded by sites of historical interest, and the Society organises trips to sites during the summer months.Transport is often part of the organisation, albeit in a more modern form of transport than that shown in the image. Details of this year’s programme of visits are available on the Outings page of the web site (but if you are reading this after August you are too late!). Trips are open to non-members if space permits.
Publications
HLHS publishes books and other documents associated with Hexham and its history. These are available (e.g. for purchase or download) in the Book Shop section of the web site, along with back issues of the Society’s annual journal, Hexham Historian. PDF files for the contents of the Hexham Historian and an index are available.
Projects
Have you ever wanted to get involved in doing some original historical research but never got around to it? HLHS members are often invited to take part in projects involving historical Hexham. Check out the latest details on the Projects page of the Activities Section.
Queries
Do you have a query relating to the Hexham area? Why not post your question to our Notes & Queries forum. Maybe our members or other visitors to the site might have an answer for you. (You do not have to be a member to use this forum.)
Local History News Items
Hexham Courant | Local History
- What made Hexham Courant headline news 150 years ago?
- Looking back at Tynedale's Christmas illuminations
- Looking back at the first-ever Hexham Christmas Truck parade
- Looking back at Hexham bonfire nights
- Rememberance Day in Hexham over the years
- Looking back at Hexham's Spookiest Window Competition
- What made Hexham Courant headline news 150 years ago
- Looking back at Hexham's Spook Night over the years