Piscina
Piscina is a term derived from Latin meaning ‘a reservoir of water’. It referrs to a small space, sometimes built into the wall of a church, located near the altar and used by priests for washing their hands or ceremonial objects, such as chalices and goblets. In Roman times, piscinas would be connected to an aqueduct but later would be simply connected to a nearby drain.
A piscina would typically comprise a shallow stone basin or sink with a drain hole at the bottom and could be built completely recessed into the wall or as a stone receptacle attached to the wall, sometimes with a small recess immediately behind it for storing small objects. In the latter case, the piscina would be supported by a stone pillar rising from the floor.
The earliest appearance piscinas make in the UK is from the middle of the 12th century and even then, their occurrence is rare. They became more prolific however after the 13th century and can usually be found in the chancel of most churches that have not been rebuilt.
In the UK, piscinas in churches from the Gothic period (Early English and Decorated) might sometimes sport two or three basins. They are usually found on the south side of the altar and usually on the south wall.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Archaeology.
- Architectural styles.
- Britain's historic paving.
- Building a Crossing Tower: a design for Rouen Cathedral of 1516.
- Classical orders.
- Conservation.
- English architectural stylistic periods.
- Gothic revival style.
- IHBC articles.
- Machicolation.
- Monument and context.
- The Institute of Historic Building Conservation.
- The iron bridge.
- Trompe l’oeil.
- Vernacular architecture.
IHBC NewsBlog
IHBC Virtual School 19 June: Heritage Reflections & Speculations from a Pandemic
How the current pandemic will shape historic urban areas and their surrounding communities across the globe is impossible to tell. Join us to reflect on the implications for our current approaches to caring for valued places, and even speculate on future strategies and responses.
RTPI calls on government to issue planning guidance to prevent development delays
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has called on the government to urgently issue planning guidance to prevent unnecessary delays to development from the pandemic.
How to Enjoy Heritage from Home, from the Heritage Fund
The Heritage Fund has put together a list of heritage-inspired activities to be done from home.
Listed Property Owners Club’s Spring Checklist for Buildings
Spring is a good time to stand back and consider any building repairs that are required over the next 12 months, notes the LPOC, and regular inspection and maintenance is the key to keeping homes in good repair, as per its accessible step-by-step guidance.
Firefighters tackle blaze at converted Grade II listed former mill
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said “rapid and effective firefighting” had saved three quarters of the mill – which is now apartments.
Thieves take advantage of lockdown to steal lead from church roof in Halsham
Police have appealed for witnesses after thieves stole lead from the roof of All Saints Church in Halsham near Hedon during the coronavirus lockdown.
IHBC's CPD Circular provides info on digital CPD opportunities
The regular newsletter showcases the IHBC’s own Continuing Professional Development (CPD) content as well as online opportunities from ‘IHBC Recognised CPD Providers’ and other conservation related training and events.
Frank Lloyd Wright houses offer virtual tours
To make sure the public still has access to twelve of those famous works, #WrightVirtualVisits has been launched, which offers virtual tours of 12 iconic houses.
CIC’s Coronavirus Digest review and survey
The Construction Industry Council’s (CIC’s) ‘CIC Coronavirus Digest – Issue 8’ surveys the latest government advice with updates from the construction industry.
COVID-19: Advice and Updates collated from the Heritage Sector
Organisations with conservation links have been collating resources on COVID-19 impacts, including Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS), Historic Environment Forum, The Heritage Alliance (THA), and Historic England, on cleaning surfaces.
Councils considering ‘executive powers’ as measures to avoid planning gridlock
Councils are reported to be considering taking up rarely-used executive powers to keep the planning and development system moving during the coronavirus pandemic.
Historic England provides updated flood recovery advice
Historic England's 'After a Flood' provides timely advice on how to dry walls properly and avoid further damage to the building fabric.
Conservation of Timber Buildings: an example of evolving conservation techniques
Context Issue 162 offers a peek into an archive of timber conservation history through the records of the practice of FWB and Mary Charles Chartered Architects.
Call for VAT rates for Refurbishment to be Reduced
To meet the government’s target of being carbon neutral by 2050, we must recycle, reuse and responsibly adapt our existing historic buildings, according to this year’s Heritage Counts report, so Historic England and partners are calling for a reduction in VAT rates to incentivise this more sustainable option.