Looking at Buildings

Reflecting liturgical practices of the time, new churches were designed with shallow sanctuaries instead of chancels, and with naves planned as preaching spaces, with plentiful seating, often with galleries on three sides. Apart from monuments, sculpture was confined to architectural detail, although in the 18th century paintings of religious subjects became acceptable as altarpieces. Where there was little space for churchyards, burial crypts were sometimes provided below. Towers remained popular, reflecting the continuing significance of the church as the centre of the community, as well as enthusiasm for bellringing, and the ancillary rooms often included a vestry room for the transaction of parish business.