The Derby Arms, Longridge

Image: © Rude Health Taken: 14 Aug 2013

The Derby Arms is situated in the ancient Parish of Thornley with Wheatley some nine miles north east of Preston. The area is renowned for the quality of the cattle and the sheep raised on fertile grassland which is skillfully farmed by families who have lived in the valley for generations. The pub originates from the early eighteenth century though it is likely that there was a building on the site much earlier. Like many pubs in this part of Lancashire, it was also doubled as a farm until the mid-1950s. It has been run by the Walne family for the past twenty six years. The owner William Walne’s great grandmother worked at the inn from around 1898 until she married local farmer Richard Walne in 1902. The family’s connection is further enhanced as William and his wife Carole have 2 sons, William and John, who are both involved in the business. It is a matter of considerable pride as the Walne family have been in the Bowland area since at least the mid 12th century.

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