Resource Guide
Starter Glossary
A starter glossary for recurring words in listing descriptions, archives, and contribution notes.
A
Aisle
A passage or section running alongside the nave of a church, usually separated by arches.
Altar
The table or structure used for the Eucharist or Holy Communion.
Apse
A rounded or polygonal end to a chancel or chapel, often found behind the altar.
Arcade
A row of arches supported by columns or piers.
Ashlar
Finely cut and dressed stone laid in regular courses.
B
Baptistery
A space or structure associated with baptism, often containing the font.
Bellcote
A small structure designed to hold bells, usually on the roof or gable of a church.
Benefice
A church appointment or parish under the care of a priest or rector.
Buttress
A projecting support built against a wall to strengthen it.
C
Chancel
The eastern part of a church surrounding the altar, traditionally reserved for clergy and choir.
Chantry
A chapel or endowment established for prayers to be said for the dead.
Clerestory
An upper level of windows above the nave arcade, bringing light into the church.
Corbel
A projecting stone or timber support carrying weight above.
Crenellated
A parapet with alternating raised and lowered sections resembling castle battlements.
D
Decorated Gothic
A style of English Gothic architecture common between the late 13th and mid-14th centuries, known for elaborate window tracery.
Diocese
A district under the authority of a bishop.
E
Early English
An early phase of English Gothic architecture, typically c.1180-1275, characterised by lancet windows and pointed arches.
Effigy
A sculpted representation of a person, often found on tombs.
F
Font
A basin used for baptisms.
Flying Buttress
An external arched support carrying weight away from a wall.
G
Gothic Revival
A 19th-century architectural movement inspired by medieval Gothic architecture.
Grade I / II* / II
The categories used to designate listed buildings in England according to historic importance.
H
Hood Mould
A projecting moulding above a window or doorway designed to throw off rainwater.
L
Lancet Window
A tall narrow window with a pointed arch, typical of the Early English style.
Lychgate
A roofed gateway traditionally marking the entrance to a churchyard.
M
Monastic
Relating to monks or monasteries.
Mullion
A vertical stone or timber dividing a window into sections.
N
Nave
The main body of the church where the congregation gathers.
Norman
Architectural style associated with the period after the Norman Conquest, typically c.1066-1200, known for round arches and heavy masonry.
P
Parapet
A low protective wall along the edge of a roof or tower.
Parish
A local ecclesiastical district centred around a church.
Perpendicular Gothic
The final phase of English Gothic architecture, c.1350-1550, characterised by strong vertical lines and large windows.
Piscina
A stone basin used for washing sacred vessels, usually near the altar.
Plinth
A projecting base at the bottom of a wall.
Pulpit
A raised platform used for preaching.
Q
Quatrefoil
A decorative four-lobed design commonly used in Gothic architecture.
R
Reredos
An ornamental screen or structure behind the altar.
Rood Loft
A gallery above the chancel arch in medieval churches, often supporting a crucifix.
S
Sacristy
A room used for storing vestments and sacred objects.
Sedilia
Seats built into the wall of the chancel for clergy.
String Course
A horizontal band of stone or brickwork running across a wall.
T
Tracery
Decorative stonework supporting the glass in Gothic windows.
Transept
A section crossing the nave to form the arms of a cruciform church.
V
Vaulting
An arched ceiling structure, often of stone.
Vestry
A room used for clergy robes, church records, and preparation for services.
W
West Tower
The tower positioned at the western end of a church, commonly containing bells.
Weathering
The natural erosion or ageing of stone and surfaces over time.
Y
Yew Tree
Ancient evergreen trees commonly associated with churchyards in Britain, often symbolising continuity and remembrance.