When Was Ambulatory Used?

The first ambulatory was developed during the rebuilding of Saint-Martin at Tours in France (begun c. 1050, now destroyed). By the beginning of the 13th century the Benedictines had introduced the ambulatory to England, and many English cathedrals were extended eastward in this manner.

Who created the ambulatory?

The first ambulatory was in France in the 11th century but by the 13th century ambulatories had been introduced in England and many English cathedrals were extended to provide an ambulatory.

What is the purpose of an ambulatory in a pilgrimage church?

Characteristic of pilgrimage churches are their ambulatories, the hallways and aisles which circulate around the periphery ("ambulatory" means a place to "amble" or walk), and their radiating chapels -- small rooms which radiate from the main plan. St. Sernin is a typical, early example of the pilgrimage church.