Note 42 — Chapter IX · Privilege of Sanctuary.
Reading edition
Chamber’s Journal, Vol. 44, p. 171.
The debate at the Council Board, over the right to take refugees from the sanctuary, occasioned by Queen Elizabeth’s refuge to Westminster, is not without interest, in showing the views then obtaining on this custom. It was contended that no right of sanctuary existed, since no crime had been committed, as the right was only extended to criminals, in fear of their lives; that the little son had no right to sanctuary at all and that it was a flagrant abuse of the privilege for the Queen to claim it. Those who advocated roughly taking them away, were overcome by the mild persuasion urged by the Archbishop of York, who counseled that the child be obtained without force, if possible. See, Chamber’s Journal, Vol. 44, p. 171, Speed; Sir Thomas More.