Evidence has been found that there was a church on the present site which dates back to the 12th Century, but no one knows how Christianity was brought to Leyland but is thought to be due to the Roman army or as a result of missionary expeditions from Ireland and Scotland hence the name Saint Andrew. The ancient parish included the townships of Leyland; Euxton; Cuerden; Whittle-le Woods; Clayton-le Woods; Heapey; Wheelton; Withnell and Houghton.

There are two legends as to why the church was built in Leyland and not in Whittle-le Woods as first intended.

St Andrews Tower
The initial stone was laid on a site in Whittle-le-Woods, and materials brought to the site, but the next morning they had all disappeared. It was then reported that they had mysteriously been found in Leyland, the miller who owned the land was very displeased. The priest from the original site travelled to Leyland to find that the materials had indeed been moved. Between the priest, miller and local people they returned the materials back to the original site at Whittle-le Woods. For security two men were to keep vigil over the materials overnight, but soon fell asleep for a short time. On waking they found the building materials had once again vanished. Again these same materials were found in Leyland, and again they were returned to the original site.

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