Shropshire Star

Two historic Shropshire sites added to Listed Register

Two traditional Shropshire sites have been celebrated in Historic England's listed building register for 2018.

Published
The lych gate at the Church of St John the Evangelist at Newcastle on Clun

The Caynton Manor Gatehouse, near Newport, and the lych gate at the Church of St John the Evangelist in Newcastle on Clun are both now on the register.

The gatehouse at Caynton Manor, built around 1635, was once the gateway to the wealthy country house. Since the 18th century it has been used by farmers.

It is built on a red sandstone base and features a tiled roof and carved detailing around its archways. It is Grade II* Listed.

Meanwhile the Grade II Listed lych gate in Newcastle on Clun forms a picturesque entrance to St John's churchyard.

Within the timber-framed passageway of the lych gate is a revolving gate, which is an unusual feature and one of only a few in England.

A lych gate is a covered gateway with a roof at the entrance to a churchyard.

‘Lych’ derives from the Anglo-Saxon or German word for corpse, and is named after the structure’s primary function of storing the coffin before burial.

The gates also serve as a meeting point and shelter for funeral parties before they are met by the priest.

Generations

Michael Ellis, Heritage Minister, said: “Our historic buildings and places help us to make sense of our past and to understand the world we live in today.

"Protecting our heritage ensures that future generations can enjoy, and learn about, our rich history and I am pleased to see that a large number of important places have been added to the National Heritage List in 2018.”

"Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “Historic England ensures that England’s most significant places are protected and 2018 has seen some remarkable ones added to the list.

"Our fascinating history and heritage is celebrated through listing.

"We encourage people to understand and enjoy the wonderful range of historic places on their own doorsteps and by listing them we are protecting them for future generations.”

Listed Buildings come in three categories; Grade I for buildings of exceptional interest, Grade II* for buildings of more than special interest, and Grade II for those of special interest.