Lichgate on High Road
Cottage at Lichgate
Lichgate on High Road is a historic landmark located in Tallahassee, Florida. It is also known as the Lichgate Oak and Lichgate Cottage. The focal point of Lichgate is a massive live oak tree estimated to be over 300 years old. This majestic oak is a significant part of the property’s charm and history.
The property was originally owned by Laura Jepsen, who was a professor of English at Florida State University. She built the cottage as her home in 1956 and preserved the old oak tree as a prominent feature of her property. The cottage itself is designed to resemble a fairy tale cottage and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a brick path leading to the oak tree.
Lichgate on High Road is a popular location for events, weddings, and nature enthusiasts who appreciate the picturesque setting and the history of the property. It has also been recognized as a historic site due to its cultural and natural significance. The property is typically open to the public, and visitors can enjoy its serene and enchanting atmosphere.
Who was Laura Jepsen?
Laura Jepsen
Laura Jepsen was an American academic and professor known for her work in English literature. She had a notable connection to Tallahassee, Florida, and was the original owner of the property known as Lichgate on High Road.
Laura Jepsen was a professor of English at Florida State University, where she dedicated her career to teaching literature. She is particularly well-known for her role in establishing Lichgate as a unique and picturesque landmark in Tallahassee. In 1956, she built the cottage on the property and preserved the ancient live oak tree that stands prominently there. The cottage was designed to resemble a fairy tale cottage, and it became her home.
Laura Jepsen’s vision for Lichgate on High Road was to create a place of natural beauty and literary inspiration. The property has become a beloved local landmark and a popular destination for weddings, events, and nature enthusiasts due to its enchanting atmosphere and the historical significance of the oak tree and cottage.
Laura Jepsen’s legacy lives on through the preservation and accessibility of Lichgate. Which continues to be an important cultural and historical site in Tallahassee, Florida. Her commitment to literature, nature, and the arts is celebrated through this unique and charming property.
What is a lychgate?
A lychgate, sometimes spelled as “lichgate,” is a roofed gateway or entrance to a churchyard or cemetery. Lychgates are traditionally found in some English and European churchyards and serve several purposes.
Historically, lychgates were used to provide shelter for the deceased and the mourners before a funeral service. The word “lych” is derived from the Old English word “lic,” which means “corpse” or “body.” The gate allowed the coffin and pallbearers to be placed there temporarily. Protecting them from the weather, while the clergy and mourners gathered before proceeding into the church for the funeral service.
Lychgates also symbolize the transition from the secular world to the sacred space of the churchyard or cemetery. They mark the boundary between the outside world and the consecrated ground, emphasizing the importance of the religious ceremony about to take place.
Lychgates are often designed with intricate and decorative features, making them not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. They can be crafted from various materials, such as wood or stone, and may be adorned with carvings or other ornamental elements.
The name “Lichgate” is inspired by the concept of a lych gate, which is a covered entrance to a churchyard. This is often used in English and European traditions for sheltering a casket before a funeral. The name reflects the ambiance that Lichgate on High Road exudes.
To learn more about Laura Jepsen and Lichgate on High Road:
Address: 1401 High Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32304
