During the 13th century, backless stone benches began to appear in English churches. From then, an evolution to getting to the style of pews you might commonly recognize today. Wooden benches replaced stone ones in the 15th century with some churches pews were installed at the cost of the congregants and were personal property, with no general seating. Some “pew boxes” even had door with locks on them with identification as to the owner. It was during the late 19th century that standard rows of open pews were installed without the need to rent a seat.