| Sedilia. Sedilia are ceremonial
seats located in the sanctuary,
to accomodate the celebrants of a high Mass. In their grandest form, they
are an ascending series of three seats, with a piscina in the same style beyond,
as at Westleton and Great Wratting. Sometimes, they
are set into a window alcove. The three seats were
intended for priest, deacon and acolyte, but probably
would not have been used for everyday masses. Sedilia often survived the Reformation in some form, since they were of practical as well as ceremonial use. Further, when the liturgical integrity of medieval churches was reasserted by the Victorians under the influence of the Oxford Movement, sedilia were often viewed as unnecessary. However, a magnificent 19th century set can be found at Ipswich St Mary le Tower. |