ROOD LOFT
In medieval times the body of the church (the nave) was divided from the chancel by a screen.
Rood loft - A gallery built above the rood screen, often to carry the rood or other images and candles; approached by stairs either of wood or built in the wall.
Rood Loft
The gallery upon which the rood is supported.
Rood Screen
A screen built beneath the rood loft.
In the r 5th century some of the stone staircases leading to the rood loft, with open tracery round the edge, are of great elaboration and beauty, as at St Maclou, Rouen.
Of Rood lofts, which were held to be a reminder of the supposed superstitious worship, very few are left, two surviving (and very beautiful) examples in Wales being at the ancient churches in Llanengan and Llanegryn.
[from French jubé, from opening words of Medieval Latin prayer Jube, Domine, benedicere Bid, Lord, a blessing; probably from the deacon's standing by the rood screen or in the rood loft to pronounce this prayer]
jube2
n ...
 See also: Cathedra, Church, Cathedral, Loft, Architecture
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