Coronas
Lanercost Priory
The Coronae
Many visitors to the priory spot three pulleys high up in the roof with loops of sash cord tied back to pillars. This leads to the frequent question "what are those ropes for?".
On special occasions we hang coronae above the aisle and the choir. Each corona is octagonal is shape, about 2 metres across and holds 32 candles. The term 'corona' is short for 'corona lucis' or crown of light.
As you can imagine it takes a while to light all the candles, but the effect (in such a medieval setting) is stunning.