This is the Frith Stool in Hexham Abbey. Thought to have been made on the orders of St Wilfrid, the stool dates to the 7th century and is carved from a single piece of sandstone. The stool is located in the nave over what was thought to have been its original position in the east end of Wilfred’s church. It was moved here in c.1908 when the current nave was completed. These stools/chairs may also be known as ‘cathedra’ (bishops seat), and were also used as a place for someone seeking refuge - th

Inside Northumberland's Hexham Abbey as giant Earth hangs from bell tower