EchoVibe

While walking this summer I have passed through many kissing gates. Does anyone know the orign of these gates or where the name comes from. I would love to know as my husband always insists on a kiss as we pass through!

Rosemary Pearce, Nantwich, UK

• I was always lead to believe that these gates were often placed on the entrances to churchyards so that unmarried couples could not pass through. Passing through gates hand in hand is symbolic of a sexual relationship (see Jane Austin's Mansfield Park for some heavy gate symbolism)

  di, london

• The porch outside a church where the bearers set the coffin down is a lych-gate, from the Old English for a corpse.

  Liz Beecher, Chester UK

• As someone who tires easily on long walks, all I can say is there are TOO MANY f*****g gates.

  Ted, Bracknell uk

• Good set of answers so far, would like more on the possible Scottish origin.

  As to allowing only one to pass at a time, yes the old Victorian ones only allowed that (and didn't allow wheelchairs or prams). We now have an updated British Standard for these 'romantic' structures: BS5709:2001 and they can pass two at a time and almost all pushchairs and most wheelchairs can use them.

  See two gates and a use for kissing at: http://www.badfa.org.uk/achievements/gates%20at%20attenboroughs.htm (all as one line) or http://www.badfa.org.uk then select 'works' then 'Gates at Attenborough's field'.

  Chris Beney, Bushey, England

• PASSED MANY OF THESE GATES WHILST WALKING WITH MY LOVELY WIFE AND OUR DOG.BRINGS BACK MANY HAPPY MEMORIES.I HAVE JUST MADE ONE IN OUR GARDEN

  PRESTON LANCS