Mawdesley is a village and civil parish in Lancashire, England, which had a population of 1,702 as per the 2011 Census.

The name Mawdesley is thought to have originated in the reign of Edward I (1272–1308). The suffix -ley describes a field, meadow or clearing. Records show that a manor existed in 1250 AD on the site of the present Mawdesley Hall.

Mawdesley supported willow farming and basket-making in the 19th century, with the growing conditions notable for producing strong and durable rods. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization lists the 'Mawdesley' willow variety as being named for the village.

Mawdesley Hall is a small hall on a back road leading into the village. It was built by William Mawdesley in 1625, but altered towards the end of the 18th century.

The village has limited public transport services. The nearest railway station is three miles away at Rufford.

Bus Services include: 337 Chorley to Ormskirk via Charnock Richard, Eccleston, Croston, Mawdesley, Parbold and Burscough

347 Chorley to Southport via Charnock Richard, Eccleston, Croston, Mawdesley, Rufford, Holmeswood, Banks and Crossens.

In common with the rest of Lancashire, Mawdesley was home to a number of Catholic recusants in the 16th and 17th centuries. Nearly a quarter of adult men in the village were listed as recusants in the Protestation Returns of 1641, and in 1717 a large number of Catholic yeomen had registered estates in the village.