of the
sanctuary, a privilege permitted from the time of Alfred, whose laws
granted protection for three days and nights to any within the walls of a
church; William the Conqueror confirmed and extended the privilege. In
the times of feudal tyranny, this refuge was oftentimes of considerable
advantage to innocent persons falsely accused, but as frequently was the
shelter of crime.

In a case quoted from this authority, the felon professes to have sought
refuge from punishment awaiting robberies, of which he acknowledges
himself guilty. Upon the church of St. Gregory there yet remains a
curious escutcheon, a part of the knocker, always then placed upon the
door of a church, for the purpose of aiding those who sought refuge in
sanctuary. A curious account of the ceremony of abjuration of the realm
by one who had taken refuge in Durham Cathedral, is given in the York
volume of the Archaeological Institute.

"A man from Wolsingham is committed to prison for theft. He escapes,
and seeks refuge in the Cathedral. He takes his stand before the
shrine of St. Cuthbert, and begs for a coroner. John Rachet, the
coroner of Chester ward, goes to him, and hears his confession. The
culprit, in the presence of the sacrist, sheriff, under-sheriff, and
others, by a solemn oath renounces the kingdom. He then strips
himself to his shirt, and gives up his clothing to the sacrist as his
fee. The sacrist restores the clothing--a white cross of wood is put
into his hand, and he is consigned to the under-sheriff, who commits
him to the care of the nearest constable, who hands him over to the
next, and he to the next, in the direction of the coast. The last
constable puts him into a ship, and he bids an eternal farewell to
his country."

There were usually chambers over the porches of churches, in which two
men slept, for the purpose of being ready at all hours to admit
applicants. In proof of the expense attending the maintaining of persons
in the sanctuary, it is said that "in 1491, the burgesses in parliament
acquainted the assembly that they had been at great expense in getting an
ordinance of parliament to authorize them in a quiet way to take one John
Estgate out of sanctuary, the said John having entered the churchyard of
St. Simon and St. Jude, and there remained for a long time past, during
which time, the city being compelled to keep watch on him day and night,
lest he s