medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Chris Daniell wrote:
> To shift the debate somewhat. As is well known there is a
phenomenon in
> late Anglo-Saxon churches of a door high up (often 20-30ft
high) set into
> the west tower so that someone can look down on the nave and
the chancel.
> The thought is that there was a balcony out into the church.
>
> I had always thought this was for the priest, but a colleague
mentioned
> that he thought it was for the owner/patron of the church to
be separated
> from the congregation....
I remember in England several medieval churches and castle
chapels--mostly in ruins--that formerly had a balcony or gallery
for the local lord and his family. Of course, in ruins, where
only the stonework remains, only the doorway and corbels or
similar mark the location, and access is sometimes not clear.
Al Magary
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