Illustrated Dictionary of British Churches - Piscina Definition

History and Architecture

Piscina

A stone basin used for washing holy vessels used during Mass or Communion services. Piscinas are usually set into a niche in the church wall near the altar (usually to the south side of the sanctuary or chancel). Infrequently, piscinas could be free-standing, on a column of stone. There is a drain hole at the bottom of the piscina to allow water to escape. Very infrequently you may see a pair of side by side piscinas in one niche. These so-called double piscinas are rare but not unheard of.

The term piscina is frequently, and erroneously, applied to a similar recess for holy water placed near the main door of the church. These are more correctly called a holy water stoup, and were used for washing hands by worshippers entering or leaving the church, whereas a true piscina is used for washing vessels used during services.

Related: Altar   Chancel   Sanctuary   Holy Water Stoup   Stoup  




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This battle took place on 14 April 1471 between Yorkists under the future Edward IV and Lancastrians under Warwick 'The Kingmaker'



06 December, 1648

Pride's Purge

Colonel Thomas Pride rids the House of Commons of royalist dissidents, freeing the way for the trial of Charles I

This king was killed while a prisoner at the Tower of London in 1471



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