A sanctuary or informal church; part of a cathedral or large church; or a separate and detached place of worship. The earliest oratories or chapels, as distinct from the buildings where the bishop and presbytery presided over the regular assemblies of Christians, were probably martyrs memorials. The spread of Christianity from the cities into the country must have early occasioned the erection of chapels for believers living at a distance from the bishop's church. Chapels were built in private homes and in the course of time many became regular parish churches. Other buildings such as courthouses, hospitals, and all religious houses had chapels attached to them in medieval times. The most important kinds of chapels include:
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