The low windows in the chancel of so many of our ancient churches have
proved a fruitful source of discussion among archæologists, and numerous
theories have been advanced respecting their use. Perhaps the words of the
chameleon in the fable might be addressed to many who have attempted to
account for their existence, "You all are right and all are wrong"--right
in your supposition that they were thus used; but wrong in maintaining that
this was the exclusive purpose. Some example, in fact, may be adduced
irreconcileable with any particular conjecture, and sufficient to overturn
every theory which may be set up. One object assigned is, the distribution
of alms; and it is surely reasonable to imagine that money collected at the
offertory should have been given to paupers from the chancel through this
convenient aperture. The following passage from the _Ecclesiologist_,
quoted in page 441. of "NOTES AND QUERIES," has induced me to bring this
subject forward:--
"In them (churchyards) prayers are not now commonly poured forth to
God, nor are doles distributed to his poor."
Now it must be admitted that relief could scarcely be given to a crowd of
importunate claimants without the interposition of some barrier; and where
could a more appropriate place be found than the low window? Can any of
your readers, therefore, oblige me with some information upon these points?
Where were the alms bestowed, if not here? An almonry is described in some
recent works as "a building near the church." What authority is there for
such an assertion, and do any examples of such structures remain? What
evidence is there that this business was transacted in the churchyard, in
the porch, or in any particular part of the edifice?
Although these mysterious openings are probably, with one or two exceptions
in Normandy, peculiar to this country, it is desirable to ascertain where
the poor on the Continent usually receive such charitable donations. In an
interior of a Flemish cathedral, by an artist of the sixteenth century, a
man is represented in the act of delivering bread to a number of eager
beggars, from a sort of pew; showing, at least, as above remarked, that
some such protection was requisite.
There is another Query connected with this subject, which I beg to submit.
Some ancient frescoes were lately discovered in the chapel of Eton College,
with a compartment containing (according to a letter in the
_Ecclesiologist_) a bishop administering the Holy Communion to a converted
Jew, through a low window. Can any one, from recollection or the inspection
of drawings, (for the original has disappeared,) assure me that he does not
hold in his hand a piece of money, or a portion of bread, for the supply of
his bodily wants?