Illustrated Dictionary of British Churches - Nave Definition

History and Architecture

Nave

The west end of a church. where the congregation sits (in modern times) or stood (in the medieval period). The nave is usually the largest part of a church, and may be flanked by one or more parallel aisles. In most churches the east end of the nave terminates in an arch separating it from a chancel, where the high altar stands. In most churches there is a lectern and pulpit at the east end of the nave and a font near the west end.

Related: Altar   Arch   Chancel   Font   Lectern   Pulpit  




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