Kneeler the prie-dieu prayer desk. Kneelers in churches are a modern development. Kneeling was not part of the Mass in early christianity, and has been part of the Catholic Mass only since the 16th century. Kneeler A kneeler is a cushion (also called a tuffet or hassock) or a piece of furniture used for resting in a kneeling position. In many churches, pews are equipped with kneelers in front of the seating bench so members of the congregation can kneel on them instead of the floor. In a few other situations, such as confessionals and areas in front of an altar,
Robert Chichester (died 1627) including his eldest son and heir, Sir John Chichester, 1st Baronet (died 1667), of Raleigh, and Robert Chichester, second son. Chichester died in 1627 aged 48. His elaborate monument survives in Pilton Church, showing his kneeling effigy dressed in armour, behind which kneel two young male children, and in front of which, separated by a prie dieu, kneel effigies of his two wives, behind whom kneels an adult daughter, Anne Chichester (Countess of Elgin). The monument is described by Pevsner as having an "odd feature" of a central column in front of the prie dieu which comes further forward than