medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Jim Bugslag wrote:
>
> Although very
> little is known about how the various portals of Chartres Cathedral
> functioned, it
> would appear that the west portal was used principally for liturgical
> processions and entrances, while those on the transepts functioned
> differently. The north transept portal was not only next to the
> bishop's palace and most of the canons houses, but
> there is documented references to penitential ceremonies taking place
> there. It thus appears to have had ecclesiastical associations. I
> would like to be able to prove, as well, that the south transept was
> the principal lay entrance to the cathedral, and having different
> "peoples" using the north and south doors is an interesting
> reference in this respect.
Doesn't it depend on the position of the choir? If the choir is wholly in
the eastern arm, then the laity could well use the south transept as an
entrance - I would expect this to be the case at York, although Jon Cannon
may well correct me!
If the choir is under the crossing, I wouldn't expect the laity to use the
transept entrances - except for pilgrims gaining access to a shrine at the
east end.
As for the western entrance(s), doesn't that mostly depend on whether there
are side portals opening into the aisles, leaving the central door as the
processional entrance?
John Briggs
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