The Significance of Doorway Positions in English Medieval Parochial Churches and Chapels

Doorway positions in English medieval parochial churches and chapels were significant for their function and design, with new churches having north and south, laterally opposing, nave doorways from the thirteenth century to the end of the Middle Ages. Chapels had a different function and status, with non-parochial chapels usually having a single southern doorway and parochial chapels often having two opposing nave doorways. Liturgical reasons and gender and clerical segregation are considered in relation to the provision of a second nave doorway.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 278 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2023
Publisher: Archaeopress

The Significance of Doorway Positions in English Medieval Parochial Churches and Chapels delves into the analysis of the positioning of external church doorways in England during the medieval period. This study aims to uncover the profound significance that the arrangement of these doorways had on the function and design of these religious buildings.

Until the eleventh century, churches in England predominantly featured a single external western nave doorway. However, significant changes occurred in the subsequent two centuries. New churches emerging during this time tended to have north and south, laterally opposing, nave doorways. This architectural trend continued into the thirteenth century, with new churches adopting the two-doorway design while often incorporating western towers and doorways as well.

The book also explores the unique characteristics of chapels, which differed from churches in terms of their function and status. Non-parochial chapels typically had a single southern doorway, while parochial chapels often featured two opposing nave doorways.

This book proposes that liturgical considerations played a pivotal role in the changes observed at the turn of the eleventh century and again in the later thirteenth century. The study examines the relationship between gender and clerical segregation and their impact on the provision of a second nave doorway in both churches and parochial chapels. It is also demonstrated that the concept of the "Devils Door," which gained widespread popularity in the nineteenth century, had its roots in late medieval liturgy.

In conclusion, the author of The Significance of Doorway Positions in English Medieval Parochial Churches and Chapels establishes a strong link between the design and function of parochial churches and chapels and the number and attributes of their doorways. This insightful work contributes to our understanding of medieval religious architecture and its historical significance.

Weight: 1002g
Dimension: 205 x 291 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803275758