"Old Crosses and Lychgates" by Aymer Vallance is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work discusses traditional crosses and lychgates found in England and Wales, which served significant roles in historical memorialization and church practices. Vallance aims to document the historic evolution and various types of crosses while advocating for the appreciation of traditional artistry over modern interpretations. The opening of the text provides insight into the author's intentions and background research, originating from a previous article on churchyard crosses. Vallance reflects on the emotional climate of post-World War I Britain, highlighting the importance of memorials for the war dead. He emphasizes the beauty and significance of old crosses as dignified monuments, which contrast sharply with contemporary artistic expressions. The introduction sets the stage for a detailed exploration into the historical relevance, classification, and aesthetic appreciation of crosses and lychgates, as well as their roles in ritual practices within medieval and modern contexts. (This is an automatically generated summary.)