particular survey of the remains of Whalley Abbey
as they exist at present. First, then, the whole area of the close,
containing thirty-six acres, three roods, fourteen poles, is still
defined by the remains of a broad and deep trench, which surrounded it;
over this were two approaches to the house, through two strong and
stately gateways yet remaining. They are constructed in that plain and
substantial style which characterised the Cistercian houses; a style
which approximates to that of fortification, and shows that the monks
did not obtain a licence to kernel and embattle without an end in view.
Within this area, and on the verge of the Calder, which formed the
south-west boundary of the close, was the house itself, consisting of
three quadrangles, besides stables and offices. The first and most
westerly of these was the cloister-court, of which the nave of the
conventual church formed the north side; the chapter-house and vestry,
yet remaining, the east; the dormitory, also remaining, the west; and
the refectory and kitchens the south. The cloister was of wood,
supported, as usual, upon corbels, still remaining: the area within was
the monks' cemetery, and some of the ancient gravestones here are still
remembered. Against the wall, on the south side of this quadrangle, is a
wide surbased arch, apparently of Henry the Seventh's time, which has
evidently contained the lavatory. The groove of the lead pipe which
conveyed the water is still conspicuous, as is also another for the
reception of a wooden rail, on which the towels hung. Beyond this court,
to the east, is another quadrangle area, formed by the choir of the
church, on one side, the opposite side of the chapter-house, &c., on
another, a line of ruinous buildings on the third, and a large distinct
building, itself surrounding a small quadrangle, on the fourth. This
appears evidently to have been the abbot's lodgings; for which reason,
as being best adapted to the habits of an ordinary family, it
immediately became the residence of the Asshetons, and after many
alterations, and a demolition of its best apartments, particularly a
gallery nearly one hundred and fifty feet in length, has still several
good and habitable rooms, and is now preserved with due care by its
owner. The ancient kitchen, the _coquina abbatis_ of the _compotus_,
whence such hecatombs were served up, remains, though roofless, with two
huge fire-places. On the southern side of this building is a