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,
John Prie John Prie John Prie (died 1727) was a minor pirate in the Caribbean. In 1727 Prie and some associates staged a mutiny aboard the Dutch-flagged ship "Young Lawrence" during a cruise in the West Indies. Prie murdered the Captain and declared himself Master of the ship. The mutineers were caught and tried in London. Prie tried to frame fellow sailor John Ashley for the murder, who responded with a profanity-laced tirade. Prie was convicted for both murder and piracy and sentenced to hang. He was hung at Execution Dock, then gibbeted in chains opposite the town of Woolwich in July