Old Crosses and Lychgates

Key themes

Historical Memorialization and Remembrance

This theme is central to Vallance's work, particularly in the context of post-World War I Britain. The book explores how crosses and lychgates served as significant sites for commemorating the dead, from medieval times to their renewed importance for the war dead. Vallance emphasizes the dignity and spiritual resonance of these traditional forms as memorials, contrasting them with modern approaches. The theme delves into the societal need to remember, the forms that remembrance takes, and the cultural significance attributed to monuments.

The Preservation and Appreciation of Traditional Artistry

Vallance passionately advocates for the intrinsic beauty and craftsmanship of traditional crosses and lychgates, championing them as superior artistic expressions compared to contemporary interpretations. This theme explores the value of historical art forms, the skills of past craftsmen, and the perceived decline in aesthetic standards. It's a call to appreciate and protect these monuments not just as historical artifacts but as works of enduring artistic merit.

Architectural and Historical Evolution

The book meticulously documents the historical development and stylistic changes of crosses and lychgates over centuries. This theme explores how these structures evolved in form, function, and symbolism in response to changing cultural, religious, and artistic trends in England and Wales. It provides a detailed chronological and typological analysis, illustrating the rich architectural history embedded in these seemingly simple structures.

Worth discussing

How do historical monuments like crosses and lychgates contribute to a community's identity and memory?