Traditional English Lychgate At Holtye, Sussex Stock Photo

In the Middle Ages, before mortuaries, and at a time when most people died at home, the dead were placed on a bier and taken to the lychgate where they remained, often attended against body snatchers, until the funeral service, which may have been a day or two later. The lychgate kept the rain off, and often had seats for the vigil watchers. Bodies at that time were buried in just shrouds rather than coffins. At the funeral, the priest conducted the first part of the service undat Holtye, Sussex, was built in 1892 by Lacy W. Ridge in the Perpendicular style. Now closed to the public since 2007. The graveyard is still in use.