29/10/2026
Did you know that Hexham Abbey is home to the largest collection of medieval painted panels in the UK?
These extraordinary treasures are much more than beautiful works of art. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, carrying stories of the people, beliefs and communities that have shaped Hexham Abbey and the wider region over the centuries.
Even more remarkably, the panels survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII, which began in the 1530s and saw countless medieval works of art destroyed or lost. How fortunate are we that these treasures have survived for us to admire today!
One of the most fascinating is The Dance of Death which can be found just beneath the Screen of the Seven Bishops.
The panels depict skeletal figures representing Death confronting some of the most powerful figures in society: a cardinal, a king, an emperor and a pope. It's a striking reminder that death comes for everyone, regardless of wealth, power or status.
This coming Saturday, Hexham Abbey is planning a fun-filled event for the whole family, very much connected to these panels. While parents and other visitors can admire this unique heritage from up close, children will learn how to make and take home their own skeletons.
Take a look in the comments for more info on the event we are running this weekend.
