Chantries

Chantries were religious institutions, typically associated with the Catholic Church, established in medieval England and other parts of Europe. Their primary purpose was to provide prayers and masses for the souls of the deceased, often benefitting the founders or their families. These establishments were often funded by the wealthy, who sought to ensure their spiritual well-being after death. Chantries played a significant role in the religious and social lives of communities until the Reformation, when many were dissolved, and their assets seized, reflecting broader changes in religious practices and beliefs.