Hexham Abbey is a leading historical attraction and place of Christian worship dedicated to St Andrew located in the town of Hexham, Northumberland, in northeast England. Originally built in AD 674, the Abbey was built up during the 12th Century into its current form, with additions around the turn of the 20th Century. Since the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537, the Abbey has been the parish church of Hexham. In 2014 the Abbey regained ownership of its former monastic buildings, and subsequently developed them into a permanent Exhibition and Visitor center, telling the story of the Abbey's history. Onsite there is also a Refectory Cafe and gift shop, catering to over 100,000 visitors each year.