St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church, Gosberton
The Nave of this church stretches from the west door to the base of the tower. On the north and south sides are arcades of four arches, set between substantial stone piers. When the nave was originally built (in the late 1200s/early1300s?) its length was only three arches, but the western ensemble of the nave and the north and south aisles, was extended by one arch between 1436 and 1450. A close inspection of the walls of the north and south aisles reveal dividing lines between the old walls and the 15th century extension.
The extension work was at the bequest of William Whytebrede of Gosberkyrke, stating in his will that his executors, together with the executors of the will of John Thacker, should “enlarge Gosberkyrk Church in length at the west end by an arch on either side of the same structure as the rest of the arches.”
What is a Nave?
The nave is the central part of a church, stretching from the western entrance or rear wall, to the transepts. When a church contains side aisles, as in St. Peter and St. Paul’s church, the strict definition of the term “nave” is restricted to the central aisle. In a broader sense, the nave includes all areas available for the lay-worshippers, including the side-aisles and transepts. Either way, the nave is distinct from the chancel, area reserved for the choir and clergy.
