The Lychgate A lychgate is a gateway covered with a roof found at the traditional entrance to a typical British churchyard. This lychgate was donated by the Thesen family in 1935 in memory of their mother, Mrs. Bessie Thesen, daughter of Captain Christopher Harison, Knysna's first Conservator of Forests, who died in 1901. Built by E. Clementson of solid teak and red ironstone which was quarried north of Knysna.