Sanctuary ring

Sanctuary was the right of any fugitive from justice who took refuge in a church to avoid being apprehended by the authorities. Those claiming sanctuary sometimes had to touch a specific object in the church before sanctuary was granted, often the altar in earlier times, or a sanctuary ring as at Durham Cathedral.^[1]

Although often called sanctuary knockers, as at Durham it was necessary only for the fugitive to touch the ring. A monk stationed above the door would then ring a bell, to announce that sanctuary had been granted.^[2]

In 1540 King Henry VIII limited the right to sanctuary to seven cities: Wells, Westminster, Northampton, Manchester, York, Derby, and Launceston. Sanctuary for criminal offences was abolished in 1623, but it lingered on for civil processes for another hundred years.^[1]