Definition & Meaning of "rood screen"

What is a "rood screen"?

A rood screen is a decorative wall or partition in a church that separates the main part of the church, where the congregation sits, from the altar area, where religious ceremonies take place. This screen is often made of wood or stone and can feature intricate carvings or designs. It was commonly used in medieval churches and often had a cross, or "rood," at the top. The rood screen serves both a symbolic and practical purpose, marking the division between the sacred space and the congregation.