Cathedrals |
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Cathedrals were built facing east, in the shape of a cross. The long straight part was the nave, where ordinary people stood for church services, having come in through a door in the grand west front. The people standing in the nave faced a screen, and beyond it was the choir, (sometimes spelled quire) where the daily services took place. The congregation did not take part in the services - they just watched as much as they could see through the gaps in the screen. |
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Durham Cathedral Photograph © FreeFoto.com |
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Either side of the nave were aisles, allowing a walkway around the building. These were used for processions and by the pilgrims. Beyond the choir was the prebytery and the high altar. Presbytery is the name given to the special area in front the high altar. Kings liked to be buried in the choir, as it was one of the most important places in the Cathedral. Either side of the choir were the transepts, like the arms of a cross. Underneath the choir was a crypt, a huge cellar like an underground church. Above the choir was a square tower - spires were added later, in the Middle Ages. Behind the high altar was a space where the shrines of famous saints were usually found. Pilgrims would come here. Beyond this area was another small altar. This became a Lady Chapel in the Middle Ages. Around the building, there were many extra little chapels, and Chantries, with altars. These were used for prayer and saying mass. Norman cathedrals had very thick walls, made even stronger with buttresses. These were supporting ribs running up the outside walls. In the Middle Ages these became 'flying buttresses', elegant arches, strengthening the building. Norman pillars were simple - round or square. All the arches were round - pointed arches came in at the end of Norman times. Windows and doorways also had round arches. At first, the roof was made of wood (like St. David's), but soon they were made of stone, which was stronger, and did not catch fire. All over the cathedral there were carved patterns, zig-zags, stripes and dog-tooth. There would be many stone figures; heads peered down, looking fierce or funny. Even the water spouts were decorated with gargoyles. Walls and ceilings were brightly painted with patterns. Oliver Cromwell made people paint over these with whitewash, but in some places they have been restored. |
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Go to photographs of the features of a cathedral |