Old Crosses and Lychgates

Born from a wartime article on churchyard crosses, this study examines how England and Wales have marked sacred spaces with stone and timber. It looks at the role these monuments played in remembering the fallen after the Great War, arguing that their timeless forms speak more clearly than many modern memorials. The book surveys a variety of crosses and lychgates, each presented with careful description and illustration.

The author introduces an original classification system based purely on the anatomy of each structure, offering a fresh perspective on their evolution from medieval to later periods. Contributions from leading archaeologists, museum curators, and field photographers enrich the text, providing rare photographs and documentary excerpts. Though not exhaustive, the volume brings together more examples than any earlier English work on the subject.

Listeners will come away with deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and symbolism behind these enduring markers, and for the way they connect past grief with present memory. It is an evocative journey through stone, wood, and history, perfect for anyone fascinated by heritage, architecture, or the quiet stories hidden in churchyards.