

Whalley Abbey. 225 



extent of the abbey grounds, enclosed partly by the river, 

 partly by an artificial trench or moat, exceeds thirty-six 

 acres. The building itself appears to have consisted of 

 three quadrangles, the westernmost holding the cloisters, 

 and being edged upon the north by the wall of the 

 church. There were, in addition, as usual, stables 

 and outer offices. In the presence of so vast an 

 extinction, it is pleasant to mark the abundance of 

 trees now growing within the ancient boundaries ; 

 and more particularly to note the taste with which 

 in ancient nooks of aisle and corridor, clumps of 

 green fern have been planted by the owner or resident, 

 Mr. Appleby. At one time these most interesting 

 ruins were opened to the public as freely as the 

 church. Now they are virtually closed, owing to the 

 misconduct of a party of excursionists not from Man- 

 chester the innocent, as in so many other places that 

 have been abused, suffering for the guilty. When will 

 people privileged to enter a gentleman's private grounds 

 learn to conduct themselves with the same decorum they 

 would expect others to observe in regard to their own ; or 

 if unpossessed of grounds or gardens, with regard to any 

 other private property? That the ignorant and selfish 

 will continue to abuse their privileges to the end of time, 

 is perhaps only too lamentably certain. Contrariwise, 

 what a happy day it will be when curiosity in regard 

 to such places will be synonymous with good manners. 

 When at Whalley, of course we ascend the Nab, that 

 beautiful tree-clad hill which overlooks the abbey, and 

 Q 



