Whalley Abbey, St Mary & All Saints Church, Whalley

One of Britain’s oldest Christian sites and start of a one-day walk to Blackburn Cathedral, Whalley is also on the Lancashire Monastic Way

‍Highlights

• Site of early church and St Paulinus’ sermon

Whalley had one of England’s earliest churches, though no trace of it survives. St Paulinus arrived here in 628 on his mission north and found a church already in existence. The town was considered holy thereafter, and a monastery was eventually established to make use of Whalley’s ‘locus benedictus’ (blessed place). The monastery is now a ruin.

The early church was perhaps on the site of the current parish church. Three early medieval crosses in the churchyard date from the 10th century and so have no direct connection with St Paulinus. They do, however, show elements of Celtic influence in their design, perhaps inspired by Lancashire’s first Christian community. The church itself dates from around 1200.

Whalley Abbey was established much later, the monks apparently drawn by a sense that this is a holy place. It is now a ruin, but unusually for a former monastery, it is owned by the local Anglican diocese, which operates the large house next door as a retreat and hospitality centre. A high altar has been rebuilt in the centre of the ruins.

Directions

Whalley Abbey, The Sands, Whalley BB7 9SS‍

www.whalleyabbey.org‍

W3W: spines.paler.funds

GPS: 53.8207N 2.4112W

St Mary and All Saints, Church Lane, Whalley BB7 9SY‍

www.whalleypc.org.uk‍

W3W: cherubs.hawks.motel

GPS: 53.8211N 2.4079W

Whalley railway station 500m‍

The church is just off the main road, the B6246, in the middle of town. The narrow turning is next to the De Lacy Arms pub. Walk a further 250m along the road from the church to find the abbey. Still further along this road is the abbey gatehouse, now in the shadow of a huge railway viaduct. Whalley Abbey is open daily 9am–5pm. Tickets to the ruins cost £2 adults, children free. The church is open most afternoons 2pm–4pm.