Retroquire
Encyclopedia
A Retroquire or Back-Choir is a term in ecclesiastical architecture that defines the space behind the high altar in a large church or cathedral, which often separates it from the end chapel.
which was built between 1200 and 1230 to house a shrine
for Saint Swithun
.
Example
An example of a retroquire is within Winchester CathedralWinchester Cathedral
Winchester Cathedral at Winchester in Hampshire is one of the largest cathedrals in England, with the longest nave and overall length of any Gothic cathedral in Europe...
which was built between 1200 and 1230 to house a shrine
Shrine
A shrine is a holy or sacred place, which is dedicated to a specific deity, ancestor, hero, martyr, saint, daemon or similar figure of awe and respect, at which they are venerated or worshipped. Shrines often contain idols, relics, or other such objects associated with the figure being venerated....
for Saint Swithun
Saint Swithun
Swithun was an Anglo-Saxon bishop of Winchester and subsequently patron saint of Winchester Cathedral. His historical importance as bishop is overshadowed by his reputation for posthumous miracle-working...
.
See also
- Cathedral diagramCathedral diagramIn Western ecclesiastical architecture, a cathedral diagram is a floor plan showing the sections of walls and piers, giving an idea of the profiles of their columns and ribbing. Light double lines in perimeter walls indicate glazed windows. Dashed lines show the ribs of the vaulting overhead...
- Choir (architecture)
- the church understood as a building