Parclose screen
A parclose screen is a screen or railing used to enclose or separate-off a
Location
As many chantry chapels and manorial chapels were situated at the east end (closest to the holy city of Jerusalem) of the north or south aisles, next to the chancel, frequently they lay within the area enclosed by the chancel screen.
Function
The parclose screen is designed to restrict physical access to those unauthorised to enter, yet still to allow a good view into the restricted area and the entry of sunlight, and also, most importantly, to allow for communication with the high altar in the chancel during the
Etymology
The word derives from the French noun parclose[2] (f), from the Latin verb claudo, "to close" plus the preposition per, "through, along, over".[3]
History
In England, the use of parclose screens was largely discontinued in the 16th century after the
References
- ^ Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). 1911. .
- ^ Collins Dictionary of the English Language, 2nd Edition, London, 1986, p.1116
- ^ Larousse, Dictionnaire de la langue francaise, "Lexis", Paris, 1979, pp.1332,1327,361; Cassell's Latin Dictionary, Marchant, J.R.V, & Charles, Joseph F., (Eds.), Revised Edition, 1928, pp.102,400