rood beams en

Transverse beams in Christian churches that span the nave at the entrance to the chancel or choir, and that separated the area around the altar from the area set aside for the laity. They are most common in the Middle Ages or early Renaissance Later, 'rood screens' developed between the beam and the floor. The rood beam may bear carved or painted portraits of the apostles, but most often is surmounted by a triumphal cross or crucifix. Rood lofts also later evolved above the rood beam.