A group of local organisations have joined forces and pledged to restore the historic Lych Gate in Church Lane Crickhowell.

Situated between the churchyard of St Edmund’s Church and the Crickhowell Town Council burial ground and straddling a public foot path connecting Church Lane to New Road, the Lych-gate was erected by Boscawen Somerset, Rector of Crickhowell and cousin to Henry A W?F Somerset, 9th Duke of Beaufort, in 1886, and has served the community for over 130 years.

Unfortunately, approximately 10 years ago the structure was hit by a high sided commercial vehicle, causing extensive damage to the roof and supporting masonry. It has remained in that condition while various organizations have failed to establish the actual ownership, and therefore the responsibility for its repair and restoration.

Over the years since the original damage, it has continued to deteriorate and there is real concern amongst residents that it may soon be lost to the community.

The Crickhowell and District Civic Society has taken the lead role in pulling together interested parties - The Crickhowell History Society; The Crickhowell and District Archive Centre; and Friends of the Church to form the Lych-gate Community Partnership.

A spokesperson for the newly-formed Lych-gate Community Partnership said, “Our objective is to raise funds to start the renovation and restoration project early in the spring of 2018. Grant funding from local and regional sources is currently being pursued, with very positive early indications that some funds will be forthcoming.

We will also be soliciting donations from the public at large, and anyone wishing to make a donation can do so at HJ & D Webb & Sons store in Crickhowell, or via cheque made payable to the Crickhowell and District Civic Society and dropped off at Webbs or mailed to The Crickhowell and District Civic Society, C/O CRIC, Beaufort Street, Crickhowell NP8 1BN