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the estate and erected on it a building of modest proportions. 
According to Dr. Whittaker, the first dwelling must have been 
erected prior to 1450. 
The modest dwelling was pleasantly situated, embowered 
among trees. Francis had a son John, who is alleged to have 
been “John,” the Abbot of Whalley. There is no evidence to 
show the exact date of his birth, but tradition asserts that, born 
in this old mansion, he spent his earlier years beneath its roof 
‘until he was finally sent away to prepare for clerical life. Judging 
from its present appearance only, the Wiswell home seems to 
have been originally of a very plain primitive character, and its 
internal accommodation somewhat limited; though I incline to 
the opinion that very little of the original dwelling is still in 
existence. Much of the present building is of a later type than 
the latter part of the 15th century, and it is certain that it 
underwent great alterations in the 17th, the principal additions 
consisting of the porch and small room over it which still 
remain. It will be noted that the usual finials of Tudor days 
adorn the angles at the top; a mullioned window of three lights 
is over the doorway while the porch contains the usual stone 
seats found in these structures. Above the entrance are the 
Paslew Arms, set in a sculptured panel within a mould, giving 
the date of erection 1636, and the initials of the owner F. P. 
(Francis Paslew.) 
It is probable that the northern side of the western end is the 
oldest part, but it, like the eastern side, has been much patched, 
receiving in the course of years many barbarous and incongruous 
additions. Noiiceable among these is the long round-headed 
staircase window over the venerable mullioned window. The 
substantial chimneys are worth noticing, as they probably are 
remains of the oldest part of the mansion. 
There is nothing inside to attract attention, the rooms on the 
ground floor are low, and lighted by mullioned windows ; the 
walls are thick, and here and there recessed, with a fragment or 
two of wainscot and oak panelling still remaining. 
John Paslew was hanged at Hole Houses on the 20th of March, 
1536, on a pretty mound, now covered with trees, on the south 
bank of the Calder, from which a pleasant peep could be caught 
of the ancient Abbey over which he had presided so long. His 
body was interred in the Parish Church of Whalley, and the 
rudely sculptured sepulchral stone over the grave can still be 
seen with a chalice and inscription on it in the north aisle. 
Some years ago I was informed by the Sexton, who, when a lad, 
had been into the vault, that he had seen the coffin, a plain one 
of lead, and it had evidently been undisturbed since the day when 
the venerable abbot, amid the sincere regrets of a whole pro- 
vince had been laid to rest. 
