Kibworth’s ‘Lych Gate’ Added To National Heritage List
Written by HFM News on 15th December 2022
A unique building at the entrance to the cemetery in Kibworth Harcourt has been recognised as one of the country’s historical gems.
The 19th-century Lych Gate, built in 1894, has been added to Historic England’s National Heritage List and will now receive special protection.
Pic: Historic England
The building is unusual because of its large size and enclosed design, which allowed it to be used as a second chapel for funerals.
Designed in the Gothic Revival style, it has a steeply pitched roof and detailed carving on the large wooden front door, as well as wooden panels inside.
A spokesperson for Historic England said: “Its large size and enclosed design are unusual for the time and point to shrewd financial thinking on the part of the local Burial Board.
“By making it big and grand enough to accommodate funeral services, they saved the cost of building two chapels on the site – one for Church of England parishioners and another for the growing number of non-conformist denominations.”
The Lych Gate was built between July and October 1894 by Edward Woodford Mason, son of John Mason, one of Kibworth’s most celebrated builders and founder of the family firm.
Pic: Historic England
