Three Fish
with Croziers
Three Fish
The Emblem (three fish) depicted on the Lodge banner above and on other numerous Lodge property (see below), including the typeface of the summons, is often referred to as “three salmons in pale, pierced by as many croziers “. This is in allusion to the right of fishery, given by Henry de Lacy, on the three rivers where the “noble fish” abounded, that is, the rivers Ribble, Hodder and Calder. In heraldry, however, they are termed “Whales” and there is some uncertainty as to their exact origin and meaning.
The founders of Abbey Lodge 2529 were evidently very proud of being in Whalley village and used the Emblem in numerous situations. Below we have gathered together as many examples of the Whalley Emblem as we can find within our Hall and around the village.
Apart from the boundary signs do you know of anymore examples of the original Whalley Emblem in the village?
Whalley Emblem
Three Fish Everywhere
Master’s ChairSenior WardenJunior WardenBible CushionCentenary WindowVestibule DoorPriory LodgeGolf Club
The Master’s Chair
The Worshipful Master’s Chair is distinguished by the Square emblem at the triangular top of the seat back. As stated elsewhere this furniture is made of oak from the Whalley Estate and carved by ‘Young’ James Langshaw, a member of Limestone Rock Lodge, Clitheroe.
Senior Warden’s Chair
The Senior Warden is second only to the Worshipful Master in the Lodge and is situated in the West.
His Chair is distinguished by the Level as seen in the triangle above the three fish emblem.
Junior Warden’s Chair
The Junior Warden is third in line and is situated in the South.
His Office is distinguished by the Plumb Rule which is in the triangle above the three fish.
Bible Cushion
Our Lodge Bible (can be other religion book) rests on a cushion on the Worshipful Master’s Pedestal with a pelmet around the the front and sides.
The Three fish with Croziers are somewhat different to all other examples within the Lodge Room and eslewhere in that the Croziers face to the right not the left.
Centenary Window
This is a leaded-light pane that is back-lite to give the impression of being a window and is situated above a chest height writing slope for people to sign in upon. It is in the stair well of the Union Club part of the building.
As the name suggests it was installed at the time Abbey Lodge celebrated its Centenary in September 1994.
Vestibule Door
Similar in design to the Centenary Window on the previous tab the Union Club vestibule door is half glazed with a leaded-light window with masonic emblems but central to all this are three fish with croziers as shown.
Priory Mark Master Masons Lodge, 693
Priory Mark Master Masons Lodge Number 693 was Consecrated on Monday, 15 September 1919 in the Assembly Rooms, Whalley after several years of discussion amongst Abbey Lodge members.
Even though this was some 25 years after Abbey Lodge was founded the Three Fish with Croziers was utilised in their breast jewels as shown here.
Whalley Golf Club
This example outside of our building is a really well depicted emblem no mistaking the fish and the crozier hooks. It is the door into the ‘Barn’ that some of the Abbey Lodge members and founders purchased as the Clubhouse or 19th Hole.
Many of former Abbey Lodge members’ names appear on the Club Trophy Boards especially the older ones on the gabble end of the bar and social space.
