The Lych Gate
The recent refurbishment of the Lych gate here at All Saints' prompted PCC member Sally Wright to take a look back at Church records with a view to finding out when it was originally constructed. Sally reports that it was in fact 1882 when funds became available and the lych gate duly received the nod of approval from the powers that be.
A year or two after construction, the following entry appears in the records;
"All will be struck on approaching our dear restored Church, with a most beautiful and substantial entrance called a Lich Gate. They are rather uncommon. Lich Gates are described in architectural books as "Corpse Gates" - Sheds over the entrance to churchyards, beneath which the bearers sometimes paused when bringing a corpse for internment" ........On some are inscribed most appropriate texts, suggestive of our morality and future life. All Saints' Lych Gate bears the words " I am the resurrection and the life......"
Delving into the records provides a sobering reminder that looking after the fabric of our Church is an enormous responsibility It and the Manor, are the two most important buildings in East Garston. All Saints' is part of our heritage and belongs to all of us. We are the present custodians of it and we need to ensure it's survival for our children, our Grand children and the generations beyond.

Text - Sally Wright Photos - Ken Tarbox