VISIT TO WHALLEY PARISH CHURCH
Monday, 18th August, 2008
Whalley Parish Church, once Burnley’s Parish Church, dates back, in part, to the 13th Century although there has indeed been a church on the site from Saxon times, being mentioned in The Domesday Book in1086 – (then known as “The White Church under the Hill”). There are Celtic crosses dating back to 597 AD in the churchyard, 13th Century stone coffins, Roman artefacts on show in the church, medieval windows and 15th century Miserichord choir stalls in the Nave plus a selection of weird and wonderful enclosed family pews dating from the 15th to the 18th century at the front of the Chancel (The ‘Medieval Pew’ was built by Sir John Towneley in his right as Lord of the Manor of Hapton) – and the Churchwardens and Constables enclosed pews at the rear of the church.
After a brief introduction By Roger Frost as to the importance of Whalley Parish Church to Burnley, we were given the ‘Nave and Chancel Tour’ by Revd Chris Sterry, a most informed and interesting guide With so much of interest within the church it proved to be a visit much enjoyed by everyone and we were invited to return on a subsequent week for the ‘Stained Glass Windows Tour.’
Wine and nibbles, conversation and further exploration of this delightful church rounded off the evening.
