Faldstool "currus", "chariot"), and like the Roman toga originated in Etruria, but much earlier stools supported on a cross-frame are known from the New Kingdom of Egypt. Just as a campstool of similar form came to be used by military commanders in the field, so it became the ceremonial chair that accompanied the bishop in his official visitations. The bishop will either use the faldstool as a seat, or kneel in front of it, resting his forearms on it in prayer like a prie-dieu, depending upon the rubrical requirements. Other prelates may be granted the use of a faldstool during services,
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