Illustrated Dictionary of British Churches - Sedilia Definition

History and Architecture

Sedilia

From the Latin sedile, or seat. A sedilia is a canopied seat, or set of multiple seats, set into a recess in the south wall of the chancel, near the altar. The sedila were used by clergy as seating during services. One and two seat sedilia's are common, and in some caes there are three or more seats under the same extended canopy. The canopies in particular can be highly decorated, with elaborate carving, often of foliage, but just as frequently with heads of kings, queens, or religious figures.

Related: Altar   Canopy   Chancel  




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This Celtic saint began his career as a simple shepherd boy. He entred the monastery of Melrose in 651 and in 664 became prior of Lindisfarne



29 April, 1916

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

He was married to Princess Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen



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