Sanctuary
The Sanctuary Knocker
Safe for 37 days.
See it clearly
- What's there
- Romanesque cathedral above the Wear
- Legend from
- Durham
- Tone
- Dramatic
Grab the ring.
A fugitive who reached Durham Cathedral and grasped the lion-head ring on the north door could claim sanctuary for 37 days. Watchers rang the Galilee bell and the fugitive wore a black robe with St Cuthbert's cross. The 37-day limit is said to come from a vision of St Cuthbert. Sanctuary was abolished in 1624.