SECRETS behind a unique collection of medieval paintings at Hexham Abbey have been revealed this week.

Conservation specialists have assessed about 80 painted wooden panels, which have been at the Abbey since the 15th century.

The scheme saw the paintings investigated for the first time in 55 years, which will help Abbey officials preserve the historic treasures for future generations.

Specialists Christine Kimbriel and Lucy Wrapson, from the Hamilton Karr Institute, a department of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, arrived at the Abbey on Monday to begin the five- day assessment.

Lucy said: “We found a cargo mark, which suggests the panels were transported here in the 15th century.

“All the good oak grew in the Baltic region, and in those days it came into the UK through the ports at London and Southampton.”

The pair said that other markings on the back of the panels included a coding system, which was probably used during the production or distribution process.

Lucy added: “One of them has a Roman numeral eight marked on the back, which suggests it was a part of a numbered section of panels.”

Christine said there was evidence that the panels, which are currently located in the Abbey’s chancel, had been moved around different parts of the building over the centuries.

Dr Tom Kelsey, chairman of the Abbey’s conservation group, said the paintings featured the early saints of Hexham and illustrations depicting the Medieval Dance of Death genre.

He added: “There are not many paintings of this kind in Britain or on the Continent. Our visitors are here to help us look at a long-term strategy for the care of this national-class collection of paintings, so there is a plan in place for the next generation or two.

“The last time they had this sort of attention was in the early to mid 1960s, so it’s fascinating to have specialists come and look at them using modern techniques.”