Snob screen

Snob screens in The Lamb

Snob screen is an architectural feature found in some English churches, primarily those built during the Medieval period. The purpose of a snob screen was to allow the wealthier parishioners to see and be seen during church services, while simultaneously segregating them from the poorer members of the congregation. This segregation was achieved by the installation of a physical barrier, the snob screen itself, which was often elaborately decorated and situated so as to provide an unobstructed view of the altar for those seated behind it.

History and Description

The origins of the snob screen can be traced back to the late Middle Ages, a time when social hierarchies were rigidly enforced within the community, including religious settings. Churches, being central to community life, reflected these social distinctions in their architecture and interior arrangements. The snob screen is a manifestation of this social stratification, embodying the desire of the elite to maintain their status even in a sacred context.

Typically made of wood or stone, snob screens were often ornately carved and might include elements of Gothic architecture, such as pointed arches and intricate tracery. They were usually positioned between the nave, where the general congregation sat, and the chancel, reserved for the clergy and choir, thus also serving to reinforce the separation between the laity and the religious elite.

Social Implications

The existence of snob screens in churches is a clear indicator of the social divisions that pervaded medieval and early modern English society. By physically separating the wealthier parishioners from the rest of the congregation, the screens reinforced the notion that social status was of paramount importance, even in a place of worship where all were theoretically equal before God.

Decline and Legacy

The use of snob screens began to decline with the advent of the Reformation and the subsequent changes in church architecture and liturgical practices. The emphasis on a more personal and direct relationship with God, coupled with changing attitudes towards social equality, made the snob screen increasingly anachronistic.

Today, snob screens are relatively rare, with many having been removed or repurposed within churches. However, those that remain are of significant historical and architectural interest, offering insights into the social dynamics of past eras as well as examples of medieval craftsmanship.

Preservation

Preservation efforts for snob screens involve both maintaining their physical integrity and understanding their historical context. Conservation techniques must be sensitive to the original materials and methods of construction, while scholarly research can illuminate the social and religious practices that snob screens represent.

See Also

• Church architecture
• Medieval society
• Gothic architecture
• Reformation