Stanlow Abbey had been founded on the banks of the River Mersey in the 1170s by John fitz Richard, the constable of Chester.

This abbey had suffered a series of misfortunes, including flooding in 1279, the destruction of the church tower in a gale in 1287 and a fire in 1289.

In 1283 Henry de Lacy, tenth Baron of Halton agreed to the move from Stanlow to Whalley but this was not achieved until 1296.

The Cistercian monks there complained that they had both lost some of their income to Whalley and that the cost of food and building materials had increased in the face of the extra demand.

[4] In the 16th century, John Paslew, the last Abbot of Whalley, reconstructed his own lodgings and added a Lady Chapel.

[6] In 1553 the abbey lands and the manor of Whalley were sold for just over £2,151 to John Braddyll of Brockhall and Richard Assheton of Lever near Bolton.

[7] In 1923 the house and grounds were purchased by the Anglican Diocese of Manchester when the bishop was William Temple.

The east range is more complete and includes parts of the walls of the former monks' day room, parlour and vestry.

It dates probably from the late 18th century, and is built in ashlar sandstone with a stone slate roof.

[15] In August 2021 there was criminal damage to ancient ruins at the Abbey and drug taking, as well as shouting, swearing and screaming until the early hours, with 150 youths caught breaking laws.

Underage drinking and harassment of the Reverend and his wife was reported as well as assaults on security staff, and on police officers.