Seats, Relics and the Rationale of Images in Westminster Abbey, Henry III to Edward II

Wall and panel paintings in the sanctuary and south transept of Westminster Abbey were intricately linked to the furnishings and usage of these spaces, reflecting both ritualistic intent and the chaotic realities of court life during Henry III to Edward II. The study reveals that while liturgical texts often idealize behavior, actual practices—such as riotous conditions during court rituals—shaped the design and function of elements like sedilia (seating for clergy) in the sanctuary. Similarly, murals in the south transept amplified relic cults but were viewed under uncertain access routes and seating arrangements, suggesting a dynamic interplay between visual amplification and physical agency. The research combines liturgical analysis with historical documentation to reconstruct these spaces' multifaceted roles, bridging idealized ritual and lived experience.

Binski, P., & Guerry, E. (2020). Seats, Relics and the Rationale of Images in Westminster Abbey, Henry III to Edward II. Westminster, 180–204. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781315630779-9