Our Lodge Room
The Following is an extract from “History of Abbey Lodge 2529” written by Worshipful Brother R Neil Pickup on the occasion of the Lodge’s Centenary 1994.
“Visitors to the Lodge Rooms are immediately struck by magnificent oak carved panels that adorn the room and furniture within. The timber is said to be over 300 years old having originally been taken from Whalley Abbey and used in the building of the old Vicarage in Whalley. It was then taken from there to Abbey Lodge.
The Chairs of the Worshipful Master, the Senior and Junior Wardens and the three pedestals together with other furniture are all hand carved by a local carpenter, “Young” James Langshaw who was also a member of the Limestone Rock Lodge of Clitheroe.”
James Langshaw (1865 – 1922) lived in Billington and is recorded in the 1891 Census as ‘Joiner’ as was his father William.
Hopefully this quotation will have piqued your interest.
Our page devoted to the Lodge Room has images of his furniture. In putting this site together we have become struck by the number of times the three fish with croziers emblem has been used in the building.
Young James became adept at carving it into ancient oak in our Lodge Room. It’s Difficult to imagine how such craftsmanship could be acheived today.
Our Lodge Room is one of the smallest if not THE smallest in the County of Palatine and hence our nickname for it – Lancashire’s Little Gem.
It’s amazing what is behind the black door of 12 Accrington Road, Whalley!
Lancashire Scouting Lodge of Allegiance 