It is the modern way to bring cathedral altars forward from the choir so that the congregation in the nave can take more part in the service. Hereford has done this, and further accentuated the location by the addition of a corona hanging above the altar. The backdrop is the choir stalls, the original high altar the Norman arch and the Early English lancets and architecture of the Lady Chapel. From 1863 to 1967 an
elaborate screen of iron, copper, brass, enamel, mosaic and polished stones hid the choir from view, Its removal was controversial and it now resides in the Victoria & Albert Museum's Ironwork Galleries. Some would like to see it returned. I think it is best left there.
photo © T. Boughen Camera: Sony DSC-RX100
