West Nave

The West Nave is one of the four great naves radiating from the base of the Mynster. Oriented toward the west, it serves as the Unarians’ gathering space during rites held within the central chancel and is distinguished by its decorative richness.

First Appearance and Context

The West Nave is described alongside the other cardinal naves during an account of avout assembling within the Mynster for daily observances. The description situates it within the broader flow of people moving through the Concent toward the building and emphasizes how each nave adjoins the central chancel through a perforated screen.

Structure and Features

• One of four large halls laid out on the cardinal directions, the West Nave projects from the Mynster’s core and fronts a screen that separates it from the chancel.
• The nave is renowned for the best stained-glass windows and the most finely carved stonework among the naves, reflecting the resources of its usual occupants.
• Screens are made dark on the nave side and bright on the chancel side, allowing those in the nave to see into the chancel but not beyond it, creating the impression that their nave alone owns the chancel.

Relationships and Functions

• Primary users: the Unarians, who are numerous and well endowed; they can fill the space, which helps explain the nave’s rich embellishment.
• Context among the naves: the West Nave stands opposite the East Nave (little used), with the South Nave generally reserved for the Centenarians and the North Nave commonly used by visitors from extramuros. These arrangements shape how different groups experience rites within the Mynster.

Current Status

The West Nave is in regular use by the Unarians and remains notable for its superior stained glass and stone-carving. No special restrictions are noted beyond its typical occupancy by that math.