Illustrated Dictionary of British Churches - Chantry Definition

History and Architecture

Chantry

A Chantry, also known as a chantry chapel, is a memorial or even a complete building dedicated to the memory of a person or family. In the medieval period it was common for wealthy patrons of a church to give a grant of money to pay for a priest to say prayers for themselves and their family. The patron would erect a monument, and there the priest would say daily prayers for his or her soul. In large churches, chantries were entire side chapels accessed from the aisle, transepts, or ambulatory. Smaller chantries weee like glorified enclosed tombs, erected between the aisle and chancel or nave. Such chantries were often highly decorated and richly carved and painted, with finely vaulted ceilings in the later medieval period.

Related: Aisle   Ambulatory   Chancel   Chapel   Nave  




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 mystery historic attraction
See larger image



This prolonged conflict between England and France began in 1337



29 April, 1916

End of Easter Rising in Dublin

The Easter Rising was one of the pivotal events in finally convincing Britain to grant Home Rule to Ireland

This Danish king was followed by Edward the Confessor



Passionate about British Heritage!