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To view the images, click on the
thumbnails below. Use the arrows to navigate through the
image carousel (6 images available). Photographs taken by
and copyright of Daniel Gibbins,
Church Website Design Project.
Carved Angels - Priest's Stall
The Chancel is the space near the High Altar, traditionally seen as the 'Head' of the church, an area of the church set apart from the 'Body' (Nave).
After 1215, clergy were required to ensure the Blessed Sacramanet (consecrated bread to be used at Communion services) was to be kept protected from irreverent access or abuse; and accordingly the area of the church used by the lay congregation was to be screened off from that used by the clergy.
This distinction was enforced by the development of canon law, by which the construction and upkeep of the chancel was the responsibility of the rector, whereas the construction and upkeep of the nave was the responsibility of the parish. The distinction, both legal and ritual, between Nave and Chancel is maintained in the Church of England's 'Book of Common Prayer'. This photograp his taken from the Chancel Arch, the intersection between Nave and Chancel. The High Altar and Sanctuary is at the eastern most end of the church.
The Choir stalls on the right and left hand side of the Chancel are used weekly by the congregation during Thursday Communion services and for special services throughout the year. The Chancel has a colourfully tiled central column running through the centre of its floor. As one enters the Chancel from the Nave, it leads the eye towards the Sanctuary and High Altar at the furthest end. The altar rail acts as the physical dividing line clearly showing the entrance to the Sanctuary, at the east end of the Chancel.
The Sanctuary is where the ministers and lay Eucharist assistants offer Communion to the congregation who kneel or stand at the altar rail. For those who cannot or do not wish to receive Communion, a blessing can be given by the priest. This view of the south choir stalls is taken from the Priest's Stall, used by the presiding minister during services that are conducted in the Chancel.
The Choir stalls are used by the congregation during Thursday Communion services and by the choir during special services and events throughout the year. This 3-4 inch high angel is carved into the ends of the Priest's stall on the south side of the Chancel.
Most visitors to the church miss small details in the carving and architecture of the church. Indeed, a member of the congregation who has been at the church for over 40 years commented that they had not seen it until it was photographed for the website.
The Chancel is the space near the High Altar, traditionally seen as the 'Head' of the church, an area of the church set apart from the 'Body' (Nave).
After 1215, clergy were required to ensure the Blessed Sacramanet (consecrated bread to be used at Communion services) was to be kept protected from irreverent access or abuse; and accordingly the area of the church used by the lay congregation was to be screened off from that used by the clergy.
This distinction was enforced by the development of canon law, by which the construction and upkeep of the chancel was the responsibility of the rector, whereas the construction and upkeep of the nave was the responsibility of the parish. The distinction, both legal and ritual, between Nave and Chancel is maintained in the Church of England's 'Book of Common Prayer'.
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