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Choir stalls
The invention of choir stalls was a gradual process that grew out of the use of misericords and recessed stone seats (sedilla). By the eleventh century, fixed seats divided only by arms came into existence, and over time took on an increasingly architectural form. From the fifteenth century, wooden choir stalls often had high, richly panelled backs, and were fitted with elaborately carved seats, dividers, and canopies. Each successive row was placed a step higher than the one in front of it, and was equipped with a book ledge and kneelers supported by the backs of the preceding row. The front row of seats were sometimes provided with a continuous modesty panel topped by a ledge rail for the same purpose. Many examples of these are still in place. However after the reformation, many new churches had much plainer benches. Each bench often had kneelers attached to the back of it so that the person behind could kneel at the appropriate times during services. Today, many churches have brought the choir down into the nave and placed the singers in a concentric arrangement to enhance the worship experience.
by Basher Eyre
Created: Fri, 5 Sep 2025, Updated: Fri, 5 Sep 2025
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