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Whalley Abbey

📍 Lancashire, England

4 ★★★★ 780 reviews

About

Whalley Abbey is a former Cistercian abbey in Whalley, Lancashire, England. After the dissolution of the monasteries, the abbey was largely demolished and a country house was built on the site. In the 20th century the house was modified and it is now the Retreat and Conference House of the Diocese of Blackburn of the Church of England. The ruins of the abbey are recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building, and are a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Founded in 1296 when Cistercian monks relocated from their flood-prone site at Stanlaw on the Mersey. Became the second wealthiest monastery in Lancashire. The last abbot, John Paslew, was executed in 1537 for his role in the Pilgrimage of Grace. The 14th-century gatehouse is managed by English Heritage. The remaining buildings serve as the Diocese of Blackburn retreat centre.