misericord

A misericord is a small wooden shelf or bracket attached to the underside of a folding seat in a medieval church choir stall. It functions as a resting place for clergy during long ceremonies, allowing a brief pause without leaving the stall. The term derives from the Latin misericordia, meaning mercy or pity, and reflects the relief such a support provided to those who had to stand for extended periods.

A defining feature of misericords is their carved decoration. The underside of the folding seat was often richly carved with figures, scenes from the Bible or folklore, grotesques, animals, or foliage. These carvings served as visual entertainment for observers in the stalls and as a means of conveying moral, religious, or social messages. The artistry and variety of the carvings vary by region and period, but many ensembles display high technical skill and imaginative imagery.

Misericords date from roughly the 12th to the 16th centuries and are found across much of Europe, especially in England, France, Germany, and the Low Countries. They survive in many medieval churches and cathedrals, though preservation varies with location and climate. In some places, later restorations replaced or concealed original seats, while other sites retain extensive, well-preserved sets.

Today, misericords are valued for both their functional history and their artistic merit. They offer insight into medieval liturgical practice, woodcarving techniques, and the blending of devotional and secular imagery in sacred spaces.