ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the core question of the relationship of contemporary ritual enactment of late medieval worship with the historical evidence, and the extent to which the contemporary experience can in any way illuminate the historical experience. It sets out to highlight some of the outcomes of the enactments that can be objectively observed and noted, if not always exactly quantified. The chapter delineates typologically rather than individually some of the distinct categories of experience and engagement encountered in the ritual enactments. The distance between clergy and singers at Salisbury was inverted at St Teilo's, where the modest dimensions and enclosure of the chancel resulted in exceptionally close proximity and intimacy of all within the building. However, the floor to roof division of the church by the rood screen, with its substantial gallery and closed chancel arch, marked the strong separation of the lay congregation from the clergy, assistants and singers beyond.
