Note 35 — Chapter IX · Privilege of Sanctuary.

Preface of Rev. James Raine’s to the Fifth Volume of the Surtees Society, gives the following description of the manner of claiming sanctuary at Beverley and Durham:

“Persons who took refuge fled to the north door and knocked for admission.... As soon as anyone was so admitted the galilee bell was immediately tolled, to give notice that some one had taken sanctuary. The offender was required, before the shrine of the patron saint, and certain credible witnesses, to tell the nature of his offense, and to toll a bell, in token of his demanding the privilege of sanctuary.... Everyone who had the privilege of sanctuary was provided with a black gown and a yellow cross, called St. Cuthbert’s Cross, upon the left shoulder.... If one’s life was saved the third time, by the privilege of sanctuary, he became permanently a servant of the church.” Chamber’s Journal, Vol. 64, p. 514.