Hierarchy classification:

1. top of the aat hierarchies
2. Objects Facet
3. Components (hierarchy name)
4. components (objects parts)
5. [components by specific context]
6. architectural elements
7. [structural elements and components for structural elements]
8. structural elements
9. [spanning and projecting structural elements]
10. beams (structural elements)
11. [beams by location or context]
12. jesting beams

Additional parents:

1. top of the aat hierarchies
2. Objects Facet
3. Components
4. components
5. components by specific context
6. architectural elements
7. architectural elements by building type
8. religious building fixtures
9. Christian religious building fixtures

Anotations

Scope note:

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.