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Whalley Abbey, Lancashire
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
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