Sanctuary. Sanctuary. Sanctuary. The words of a person wanting asylum after committing a terrible offence, in most cases murder. In the middle ages churches had a limited right of sanctuary, which meant that criminals could seek refuge for 37 days. When inside the Cathedral they would would be given a black robe and made to confess their sins. On the 37th day they could either face their accusers or be escorted to the nearest port (in this case Hartlepool) where they would not be allowed to return. The Sanctuary Knocker seen on Durham Cathedral today is actually a replica of the 12th century original which is now in the Treasury Museum. Do you love Durham? Share your appreciation below in the comments thread.
Laura began her career at WhatCulture over a decade ago as an Executive Assistant, where she played a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the office. Drawing on her previous experience as a Secretary at a solicitors’ practice, she brought strong organisational, administrative, and time management skills to the team.
While she still continues to oversee a number of bookkeeping responsibilities, she now serves as Channel Manager for the WhatCulture Horror YouTube channel. Whether it’s uncovering overlooked horror movie classics or highlighting the latest must-watch releases, she’s got you covered if you’re looking for a spooky time!
