In a message dated 13/01/2004 17:41:36 GMT Standard Time, edgar@iredale-we.freeserve.co.uk writes: > Apparently two monks were on hand to give > sanctuary to seekers and to see them safely to the coast. > From http://www.dur.ac.uk/~dla0www/c_tour/point1.html One of the most striking features of the North Door itself is the bronze, lion-like Sanctuary Knocker attached to the outside and shown in the photograph above. Throughout the Middle Ages, Durham Cathedral was a place of sanctuary. A fugitive from the law wishing to claim protection used the knocker to attract the attention of two watchmen in a chamber over the North Door. He was then admitted to the Monastery and given sanctuary for a maximum of thirty seven days during which time he had to choose between trial and voluntary exile. If he chose the latter, he was escorted to a port - usually the Bishop's port at Hartlepool - wearing a badge in the shape of the cross of St Cuthbert stitched to his shoulder and carrying a rough wooden cross tied together with rope. Once at the port, he was required to embark on the next ship that was due to set sail regardless of its destination. The Sanctuary Knocker attached to the front of the North Door today is, in fact, an exact copy of the original and was placed there in 1980. The original itself is on display in the Cathedral's museum. Regards Stan Mapstone