Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 3.djvu/329

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ON SOME PERFORATIONS IN THE WALLS OF CHURCHES.

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ASHLEY CHURCH, HAMPSHIRE, LOOKING WEST.

In many of our ancient churches we find in various parts of the building oblique openings or perforations through the walls, technically called Squints. The use of these openings is not always obvious, and for want of any better explanation, they are frequently called Confessionals. The most usual situation for them is by the side of the chancel-arch, sometimes on one side only, in other instances on both sides, but when in this situation they are always so arranged as to enable a person in the nave, or aisle, or transept, to look towards the high altar, and in whatever part of the church the openings occur,