Whalley Abbey, Whalley, Lancashire

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.

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 adjacent medieval church has 3 Celtic Scandinavian crosses in its churchyard dating back to the 9th and 11th centuries.

(Photographs ©2003-2008 Ryewolf)