Whalley's abbey gatehouse has been standing since around 1350 — nearly 500 years before the Industrial Revolution reached this part of Lancashire.
A Cistercian abbey, and the gatehouse that outlasted it
Whalley Abbey was founded in 1296 by Cistercian monks relocating from Stanlow Abbey, and grew to become the second wealthiest monastery in Lancashire; the monks called their site beneath Whalley Nab, on the banks of the River Calder, 'locus benedictus' — a blessed place. Most of the abbey was demolished after the 1537 dissolution of the monasteries, and its last abbot, John Paslew, was executed for his part in the Pilgrimage of Grace rebellion. Its north-west gatehouse, begun around 1320 and finished by 1350, survived everything that followed and is now a Grade I listed Scheduled Ancient Monument.
From monastery to retreat house
The country house later built on the abbey's grounds has had a long second life: in the 20th century it became, and remains, the retreat and conference house of the Diocese of Blackburn.
Sweets still arrive the same way as everywhere else
Whalley's history runs through Cistercian monks and a Tudor rebellion, not confectionery — so pick 'n' mix, bulk bags and trade cases for the village come by delivery, the same as the rest of Lancashire and the UK.
25,000+ customers, and counting
We've served over 25,000 customers UK-wide, Whalley and the rest of Lancashire included, with most orders dispatched within 1-2 business days. The range covers pick 'n' mix by the bag and tub, bulk bags from 1kg to 3kg, trade cases for events and businesses, vegan and halal-friendly sweets, retro favourites, and full chocolate ranges from the major brands.
Frequently asked questions
Do you deliver sweets to Whalley?
Yes — the same as the rest of the UK, with most orders dispatched in 1-2 business days.
Is Whalley Abbey still standing?
Part of it is — the Grade I listed gatehouse, begun around 1320, still stands, though most of the abbey was demolished after 1537.
Can I buy bulk or wholesale sweets in Whalley?
Yes — we deliver bulk bags, multipacks and trade cases direct to Whalley addresses.
Browse Pick 'n' Mix and Bulk Bags.