Choir Seats
The Choir in English Cathedrals is often the place where nobility gather for special services. The individual places, "seats", are designated for particular nobility. These can be passed down from heir to heir having the title. Hence the names that are added to the seats.
These seats in Saint David's have the names of distinguished Welsh nobility. What is shown are half-seats. Since many of the services require standing, these half-seats can be opened to partially rest upon, yet appear to be standing.
The elaborate hand carved designs on the lower lip of the half-seats are typical of other English Cathedrals as well.
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