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Hexham gaol is in Hexham Northumberland. Hexham Gaol held prisoners captured inHexhamshire, the area ruled over by the Archbishop of York. His Bailiff and other officials ran the Shire on his behalf from the nearby Moothall.
By the 16th Century, the gaol was being used to house prisoners accused of committing crimes within the Border Marches. It was often used to hold hostages, known as pledges, who were held until fines were paid or accused people turned up to take their place.
The building was not always that secure, and the men working there were happy to be bribed to turn a blind eye to rescues. In 1538 there was one of several recorded gaolbreaks.
The gaol continued in use until the 1820s, when a new county gaol was buit at Morpeth. By 1828 most prisoners were held in Morpeth Gaol, and the Hexham House of Correction was in use for petty thieves.
The building was taken over and used variously as a bank, solicitors' office, home for the Rifle Volunteers, a Billiards Club, and a place from which to firewatch in the Second World War. By the mid-1970s the building was in a bad state. Major repairs were undertaken, and the building reopened in 1980 as a museum and tourist information centre.
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When was Henry Hexham born?
Henry Hexham was born in 1585.
When did Eanberht of Hexham die?
Eanberht of Hexham died in 813.
When was Acca of Hexham born?
Acca of Hexham was born in 660.
When did Tidfrith of Hexham die?
Tidfrith of Hexham died in 821.
When was Hexham Courant created?
Hexham Courant was created in 1864.
When was Hexham Bridge created?
Hexham Bridge was created in 1793.
When did Heardred of Hexham die?
Heardred of Hexham died in 800.
When was John of Hexham born?
John of Hexham was born in 1160.
When did Henry Hexham die?
Henry Hexham died in 1650.
When did Eata of Hexham die?
Eata of Hexham died in 686.
When was Hexham Abbey created?
Hexham Abbey was created in 674.
When did Battle of Hexham happen?
Battle of Hexham happened on 1464-05-15.
