THIS was the view of Whalley from Accrington Road in 1900. On the left were the village’s modern assembly rooms, which opened in 1899, later they became a nightclub and the Whalley Conservative club. Today, the conservative club has closed and is now a wine bar in its place.

The houses on Queen Street on the very far left can no longer be seen. The white painted cottage was one of three toll houses used to get travellers to and from Whalley on the turnpike era’s highways.

The oldest was on Accrington Road near today’s Whalley Golf Club. In the distance is the Whalley Ancient Parish Church, whose origins date back to the sixth century.

The history of the parish church began as far back as 798, when during Lent on 2 April a great battle was fought at Whalley in Northumbria, where Alric, the son of Heardbert, was slain.

Although, the church building of today can be dated back to the 13th century. Traditionally, it was called White Church under Lea, because of the use of white stone. It was rebuilt during the 13th century, and not altered again until the 15th century.

The triple lancet east window of the chancel was cleared and a new tracery window built, as it suited the painted glass better.

Since then, renovations were made in the 1900s.