Whalley Abbey - History - The White Goddess

Whalley Abbey

Whalley Abbey

The Abbey of St Mary the Virgin, also known as Locus Benedictus de Whalley. was founded by Henry de Lacy, third Earl of Lincoln on the 4th April 1296. The last Abbot, John Paslew was involved in the Pilgrimage of Grace. He was tried at Lancaster and executed in Whalley on the 10th March 1537. The Abbey was then suppressed and the monks turned out. Richard Assheton acquirred the monastic buildings and converted the infirmary and the abbot’s house into a country mansion.

Of the abbey there are considerable remains, including two stately gateways, a building thought to have been the abbot's private oratory, and other parts less perfect, yet all of them good specimens of Decorated and Perpendicular English architecture. In the parish church of Whalley are three plain stalls, and some good wood screen work, supposed to have been brought from the abbey. The seats, which have elaborate wood carvings, are known as misericords, three of them have carved inscriptions, one in Latin, one in Norman French, and one in early English. Windows from the Abbey are also thought to have been taken to Samlesbury Hall in Lancashire.

Whalley Abbey Gatehouse is a 15th century stone inner gatehouse of the Cistercian abbey, originally with a first floor chapel. Whalley Abbey is now a retreat and conference centre where visitors may visit the ruins, gardens and coffee shop. The ruins of the Abbey are protected as an important Ancient Monument.

Whalley Abbey
The Sands
off Kings Street
Whalley
Lancashire

Open during daylight hours
Cost: £2 Adult

There is a free car park