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 first president of the Royal Academy was the foremost portrait painter of the late 18th century



14 May, 1219

Death of William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke

Marshall was widely regarded as the ideal of a medieval knight; he ruled England during Henry III's minority

This monarch was Elector of Hanover when he became king of England in 1714



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