Wednesday, June 22, 2011

The Church Lychgate at Cookham Dean.

The Church Lychgate.
*********************
 With thanks once again to Dennis Adams for this fine photograph of the Lychgate at Cookham Dean Church.

The meaning of the medieval word Lych means "Body." It was at this point the mourners would take shelter and wait for the minister to arrive before burying the deceased.

In a great many cases like today, two or three churches were looked after by one priest, who would arrive on horseback, and usually late as well.

No comments: