Historic Churches > Dictionary

Illustrated Dictionary of British Churches - Chancel Definition

History and Architecture

Chancel

The east end of a church, traditionally the place where the high altar is located. In early Christian churches there was little or no division between the nave, at the western end, and the chancel, at the eastern end. In the medieval period the nave and chancel were often divided by a screen, usually of wood, which could become quite elaborately carved.

Chancels may have seating for a choir, and there may be small chambers off the chancel, such as a vestry, an 'office space' for the priest. Chancels were often dominated by a large east window above and behind the altar.

Related: Altar   Choir   Nave  

Compton Beauchamp, Oxfordshire

Compton Beauchamp, Oxfordshire




National Trust

National Trust membership

National Trust membership

Free entry to National Trust properties throughout England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, plus discounted admission to National Trust for Scotland properties.

Membership details

About the National Trust


HISTORY CORNER

Name the Historic attraction

Name the mystery historic attraction
See larger image



British History Quiz

This famous landscape garden designer gained his odd nickname from his habit of telling clients that their estates had 'great capability of improvement'



This Day in British History

18 May, 1152

Prince Henry, son of Queen Matilda, marries Eleanor of Aquitaine

Eleanor was divorced from Louis VII of France only a few weeks earlier

Monarch Mayhem

This king married Elizabeth of York, uniting the houses of York and Lancaster, and ending the Wars of the Roses



Passionate about British Heritage!