Inside sanctuary, fugitives were often required to wear identifying clothing (such as a cross sewn into their tunic) and were heavily restricted in movement. If they left the church grounds, they forfeited protection and could be lawfully apprehended or even killed.
In some cases, fugitives sought permanent refuge in sanctuaries. These long-term residents were expected to live modest, penitential lives, contributing to the upkeep of the church and remaining under ecclesiastical supervision.
Famous Sanctuaries and Cases
Certain sites became renowned for their sanctuaries. Durham Cathedral had a knocker on its north door specifically for fugitives to signal their plea for sanctuary. An entire section of the cathedral was set aside for this purpose, with strict regulations.
One of the most dramatic uses of sanctuary was during the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century. Queen Elizabeth Woodville, wife of Edward IV, sought sanctuary in Westminster Abbey twice—once while pregnant with the future Edward V. Her choice helped preserve the Yorkist line, if only temporarily.
In another famous episode, after the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, Francis Lovell, a supporter of Richard III, took sanctuary at Colchester Abbey to escape Henry VII's forces. shutdown123