A pew is a long bench seat or enclosed box, used for seating members of a congregation or choir in a church, synagogue or sometimes a courtroom. Occasionally, they are also found in live performance venues. In Christian churches of the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and Anglican traditions, kneelers are an essential part of the pew, that are used during various parts of the liturgy.
Traditional solid oak church pews
Box pews in St John the Baptist King's Norton, Leicestershire
Detail of pew 42, Old Ship Church, Hingham, Massachusetts, United States
Jacobean bench end carvings in St Kenelm's Church, Sapperton, Gloucestershire, England
A bench is a long seat on which multiple people may sit at the same time. Benches are typically made of wood, but may also be made of metal, stone, or synthetic materials. Many benches have back rests, while others do not and can be accessed from either side. Arm rests are another common feature. In many American public areas, benches may be donated by persons or associations, as indicated by an affixed plaque, a common form of memorial to a deceased person. Benches may be placed outdoors or indoors, but are more often found outdoors.
Classic garden bench
Stone bench in Parque de Bateria in Torremolinos, Spain
A long, curved and backless bench
A park bench in the Drottningholm Palace park