The anatomy of a cathedral is quite complex. And when you are walking through it, it all just seems like soaring stone. However, when you start to break it down into smaller pieces, it actually does make sense. Southwark Cathedral is a beautiful Gothic (Gothic Revival) cathedral on the south side of the Thames, and is visually and historically fascinating. With over 900 years of history, many famous, infamous, and ordinary people have had important episodes played out there. The Southwark Cathedral retrochoir has its own history, and today I’m going to be exploring what it has seen over the centuries.
What is a Retrochoir?
I think that the first question that most people (myself included) would ask is: what is a retrochoir? A retrochoir is the interior area of a cathedral right behind the high altar. In some cathedrals you will see seating for the choir here. And in a cathedral like Southwark, the retro choir is hidden by the screen, making it more of a separate area.
Southwark Cathedral Retrochoir
The Southwark Cathedral retrochoir dates back to the 13th century. It took on its current appearance in the 1930s when “Sir Ninian Comper lowered the floor and introduced the screens and altars that we see today.” (Southwark Cathedral, Southwark Cathedral. Scala Arts & Heritage Publishers Ltd: London, 212. p.29) It is quite unassuming when you see it, it is four small chapels. From left to right, they are dedicated to: St. Andrew (for those affected by HIV and AIDS), St. Christopher, Our Lady, and Saints Francis of Assisi and Elizabeth of Hungary.
The Retrochoir’s History
The Retrochoir was not always used for chapels, though. During the reign of Queen Mary I, it was used as a Bishop’s Court to try heretics by Bishop Gardiner of Winchester. Notable figures such as Bishop John Hooper and Prebendary John Rogers were tried and condemned here, and then burnt for their crimes. And after Gardiner’s death, it took a very different turn… In the later half of the 15th later, the Retrochoir was let out to a baker. A baker who just happened to also keep his pigs and chickens there… Upon visiting, several vestrymen were horrified to discover the four-legged friends.
Have you visited the Southwark Cathedral Retrochoir? (Honest question: did you know what a retrochoir was? I did not…)
Cheers,
The Historian
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Hello! Thanks for your post. I am curious about the source for your statement that, under Mary I, Gardiner tried several heretics in Southwark Cathedral. I”m looking for further details about the trial of Thomas Hawkes, noted in the Book of Acts and Monuments, about which I have conflicting information. Thanks for your help!
Simon
Hello! The information I have comes from the guidebook that I bought at Southwark! (The ISBN is: 9781857597752) I would recommend reaching out to the cathedral directly, they would have more info. Cheers!