Ancillary space in Anglo-Saxon churches

Abstract

This thesis examines documentary, architectural andarchaeological evidence for ancillary space and its range ofpossible uses. Ancillary space (additions to the basic church formof nave and chancel would be added based on liturgical or secularneed and available resources. Three areas of additions areclassified by form and correlated with possible uses. An appendixafter each chapter gives detailed descriptions and speculations onspecific churches. Notably, all three groups seem to have bothautonomous and integrated functions, but autonomous functionspredominate. Chapter one deals with porticus, aisles and transepts. Usesinclude burial chambers, chapels, meditation chambers, libraries,lodgings, and places of sanctuary and storage. These forms arethose most likely to be restricted to clerical use or shared byclearly and laity. Chapter two examines the development of thewest end and its use for burials and chapels again, penitents,catechumens, baptism rites, and liturgical elaboration centeringon increase in attention to relics. The acquisition of relicsemerges as the single most important factor in the development ofthe west end. Chapter three deals with the tower, singularlysymbolic form in Christianity that invokes, among others, theimages of the Last Supper and the heavenly Jerusalem. The rangeof uses makes it the addition most likely to have combined secularand religious functions.