OK ….. Chorlton’s Lych Gate is officially reopened …..

Today on a crisp sunny day our Lych Gate was officially reopened.

Looking like new after its restoration, 2025

And I know that is a tad silly since it was built in 1887, and the scaffolding came down before Christmas after its renovation, but nevertheless today our three local councillors, along with friends of the Lych Gate and former graveyard gathered to mark the completion of the work of this much-loved local landmark.

Councillors and Friends mark the completion of the restoration work, 2025

The gate and tower have featured in countless photographs and even made an appearance on the cover of John Lloyd’s history of Chorlton-cum-Hardy.*

So, it was fitting that Cllr Gary Bridges, the Deputy Leader of the Council was in attendance with Cllr’s Mathew Benham, John Hacking and Tina Kirwin McGinley to mark the occasion.

Also present was Peter Topping who along with Andrew Simpson was instrumental in setting up the Friends of Chorlton Graveyard which works to raise awareness of the importance of the former parish graveyard.**

The graveyard had its own makeover in the mid-1980s and with the passage of four decades needs a little care and attention.

The former parish graveyard, 2025

The group are interested in how the area could be improved along with the more basic need of more regular clearing of fallen leaves which obscure the grave inscriptions.

But for now a thankyou to the City Council who restored the gate and tower and to our three councillors who oversaw the project.

Location; Chorlton Parish Graveyard

Pictures; celebrating Chorlton’s iconic Lych Gate, 2025, from the collection of Andrew Simpson

*Lloyd, John, The Township of Chorlton-cum-Hardy, 1972

**Friends of Chorlton Graveyard, https://www.facebook.com/groups/1381914932356270