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High Altar - SMC155
In the Roman Catholic religion the 'High Altar' is the most important altar in a church. In St Magnus Cathedral it would have been situated at the east end.
This picture shows what the 'High Altar' of St Magnus Cathedral might have looked like in the mid-twelfth century. When the choir was extended in the thirteenth century the 'High Altar' would have been moved into the new extension.
The main altar in a Roman Catholic church is called the 'High Altar' to distinguish it from small altars. Smaller altars would certainly have been located in the transept chapels of St Magnus Cathedral. After the Reformation, communion tables took the place of altars in Protestant churches.
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