rood loft
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A rood loft was a gallery or raised space situated above a rood screen in medieval churches. The term "rood" itself means "cross" in Old English, referring to the crucifix that was typically displayed. This loft served as a platform for exhibiting the rood, along with statues of the Virgin Mary and St. John, and was also used for reading scripture. On special occasions, it functioned as a "singing gallery" for minstrels. Rood lofts, along with rood screens, were common architectural features in England and continental Europe from the 14th to the mid-16th century, offering a space for artistic expression through carvings and paintings.123
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In churches the rood loft is a display gallery above the rood screen, and a choir or organ loft is a gallery reserved for church singers and musicians. In theatres a loft is the area above and behind the proscenium.
Read MoreIn churches the rood loft is a display gallery above the rood screen, and a choir or organ loft is a gallery reserved for church singers and musicians. In theatres a loft is the area above and behind the proscenium.
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rood screen…floor to this beam; the rood loft, above the screen, was also added. Upon this loft, or gallery, were displayed the rood and the two statues (of the Virgin Mary and St. John) that usually flanked it. The loft also held candles to be lighted on festival days. Because minstrels…
Read More…floor to this beam; the rood loft, above the screen, was also added. Upon this loft, or gallery, were displayed the rood and the two statues (of the Virgin Mary and St. John) that usually flanked it. The loft also held candles to be lighted on festival days. Because minstrels…
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