A special event was held at Hexham Library to launch a new book which shines a spotlight on Hexham’s historic high street. 

Called Objectivity, the book was devised and written by Penny Grennan and features objects bought over the years in the town, and the stories behind them.  

At the launch event, people who featured in the book came along to meet other contributors. Representatives from Historic England and Northumberland County Council were also present. 

Copies of the book are now available to read at Hexham Library or available online at https://nland.cc/book  

  
The book is part of the Hexham High Streets Heritage Action Zone scheme and aims to shine a spotlight, through personal stories, on the shops, past and present, that have been doing business in the town over the years.  

 

Items featured include Hextravaganza - Hexham’s equivalent to Monopoly, clothing, a sculpture, a fossil, furniture, ornaments, musical instruments and even a garlic press. 
 

Northumberland County Councillor Jeff Watson, cabinet member with responsibility for culture said: 

 

“The book will help to keep stories and memories alive in a unique and interesting way. 

Thank you to everyone who took the time to contribute to it.” 

 

Jules Brown, Historic Places Advisor at Historic England, said: “This is such a fascinating way of bringing together local heritage and retail therapy. It’s a lovely book filled with personal stories of cherished possessions linked to Hexham’s shops and demonstrates the value of our everyday heritage.” 

 

The project is part of The Hexham High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme (HSHAZ), which is part of a £95 million government-funded programme led by Historic England. 
 

The aim of the High Streets Heritage Action Zone is to help unlock the potential in Hexham’s town centre, through arts and cultural activities, as well as breathing new life into the historic high streets through repair and improvement work, making it more attractive to residents, businesses, tourists and investors