A chantry is a type of chapel or altar within a church, specifically established for the purpose of offering prayers for the soul of a deceased person. Often funded by a benefactor, these spaces were common in medieval Europe, allowing for ongoing remembrance and intercession for the departed. In many cases, a chantry would be associated with a specific family or individual, and it could include a dedicated priest to perform the necessary services. The practice reflects the historical belief in the importance of prayer and ritual in aiding the souls of the deceased, particularly in relation to concepts like purgatory.